Tennis elbow brace and wrist cock-up splint in the management of tennis elbow: a comparative study

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The purpose of our study was to compare the efficacy of a wrist splint with a forearm counterforce strap brace in the management of tennis elbow.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This prospective study was conducted between January and December 2018 comprising of 75 patients suffering from lateral epicondylitis managed conservatively with splints. Patients were randomized into three treatment groups, group 1 received tennis elbow forearm brace, group 2 received wrist extension splint, group 3 received both tennis elbow forearm brace and wrist extension splint. The patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were calculated at 0, 3 and 6 weeks of the treatment.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Mean difference of pre-treatment and post-treatment PRTEE score was significant in all three groups and was maximum for group 3 patients (32.42) followed by group 2 patients (27.04) followed by group 1 patients (20.06). Pre-treatment and post-treatment VAS score difference was maximum for group 3 patients.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Significant symptomatic relief can be achieved in patients with tennis elbow by using either tennis elbow forearm brace or wrist extension splint or both. Provided proper patient selection and compliance, wrist extension splint achieves better symptomatic relief and functional outcome as compared to tennis elbow brace.</p>