Efficacy of shortwave diathermy in ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of shortwave diathermy in treatment of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow. Design: The study was a double blind, randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting, participants: A total of 76 adult patients diagnosed with ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow clinically and electrophysiologically, were randomly assigned into two groups. Patients were evaluated at baseline, after completing treatment and 1 and 3 months after treatment. Physical examination, quick-DASH (disabilities of arm, shoulder, hand) and SF-36 (short form) questionnaires for daily life activities, dynamometer for grip strength, and visual analog scale for pain were used. Intervention: A total of 10 sessions of shortwave diathermy were applied to patients in treatment group as five sessions/week, 2 weeks. Control group was given placebo shortwave diathermy. Both groups were given elbow splints and informed to avoid symptom provoking activities. Main outcome measures: Visual analog scale, grip strength, SF-36, and quick-DASH results. Results: Out of 76 patients, 61 of them completed the study where n = 31 for treatment group and n = 30 for control group. Mean age was 46.18 ± 13.45 years. There were 32 (52.5%) women and 29 (47.5%) men. The p values between groups 3 months after intervention for visual analog scale, quick-DASH, SF-36 questionnaire, and dynamometer were 0.669, 0.277, 0.604, and 0.126, respectively (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Application of shortwave diathermy to patients with ulnar nerve neuropathy at the elbow was not associated with any difference in outcome.