Effectiveness of Ultrasound used with a Hydrocortisone Coupling Medium or Epicondylitis Clasp to Treat Lateral Epicondylitis: Pilot Study

Abstract

Summary This pilot study compared the use of a hydrocortisone ultrasound coupling medium with a conventional coupling medium and also assessed the effect of the application of an epicondylitis clasp in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Thirty-six patients with a duration of symptoms ranging from two weeks to 18 months were randomly assigned to receive a combination of the chosen modalities for 12 consecutive sessions over a maximum period of six weeks. Pre- and post-treatment assessments were repeated and the subjects followed-up after one year. The results did not demonstrate any statistical significance between the treatment groups and no advantage was achieved by using a hydrocortisone coupling medium or an epicondylitis clasp. However, 80% of those patients presenting with acute symptoms of less than three months duration reported a particular benefit from treatment. At follow-up one year later, 78% of patients reported no or minimal symptoms.