Resisted Wrist Extension Research Articles

Skin blood flow as an objective measure for lateral elbow tendinopathy

PURPOSE: To investigate the test-retest reliability, side-to-side difference, responsiveness, and concurrent validity of skin blood flow (SkBF) measured by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) in individuals with acute or subacute lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET). METHODS: Eighteen individuals with acute or subacute LET were recruited for this study. SkBF was measured over the lateral epicondyle and common extensor origin on both ipsilateral and contralateral sides. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3,1) was used to evaluate test-retest reliability. A paired t-test was used for comparing the side-to-side difference. Responsiveness was reported with a change score, paired t-test, effect size (ES), and standardized response mean (SRM). The concurrent validity of SkBF was investigated by correlating with a visual analog scale (VAS) pain intensity during resisted wrist extension isometric contraction using the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability was good at lateral epicondyle (ICC3,1 = 0.899), and at common extensor origin (ICC3,1 = 0.803). A side-to-side difference was found between the two sides (p < 0.001). For responsiveness, the change score for SkBF at the lateral epicondyle was – 8.04, and the common extensor origin was – 3.54. The ES and SRM ranged from – 0.71 to – 0.78. Concurrent validity was reported with a strong correlation with pain intensity (r = – 0.637). DISCUSSION: SkBF is a reliable and responsive variable for investigating the elbows with acute or subacute LET providing clinical information according to its inflammatory responses. However, the concurrent validity can be found only for SkBF at common extensor origin, which correlates with pain during resisted wrist extension isometric contraction.

Clinical efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma versus local Methylprednisolone Injection in Lateral Epicondylitis.

To compare the results of local administration of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with methylprednisolone in the treatment of tennis elbow. This retrospective cohort was conducted at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC) during January 2017 to April 2018. Patients conservatively managed for lateral epicondylitis with local methylprednisolone injection or PRP injection were approached for possible inclusion in the study at 12 months of treatment. The primary outcome of the study was to determine the Numerical Pain Rating Score (NPRS) on resisted wrist extension. Whereas, the secondary outcomes were quick disability arm, shoulder, and hand score (qDASH), the grip strength and VAS for satisfaction. The baseline, six weeks and three month data on Grip strength, NPRS, and qDASH were extracted from the patients' medical records maintained at the hospital. The data were analyzed by using SPSS software. A total of 91 patients were approached, of them 81 (89.01%) agreed to participate. There were 46 (56.79%) who received local methylprednisolone injection and 35 (43.20%) received PRP. At 12 months follow up, there was no difference in NPRS pain scores between the two groups (p=0.691); pain decreased in both groups at six weeks and at 12 months. There was no significant difference in the functional outcome (qDASH score) in both groups. Both groups were equally satisfied with the treatment they had received. The study concluded that there is no difference between outcome and efficacy of both treatment modalities used for the treatment of tennis elbow in alleviating pain at 12 months.

Efficiency of low-intensity laser therapy in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis

Aim: Lateral epicondylitis is the most common cause of lateral elbow pain and dysfunction, mainly caused by repetitive gripping or wrist extension during various activities. Although also known as tennis elbow, lateral epicondylitis often develops as a work-related condition and therefore poses an important public health concern. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of laser in the treatment of patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis.
 Material and Method: Patients who received low-intensity laser therapy (LILT) treatment and patients who received placebo LILT while waiting for extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) treatment with the same diagnosis were included in the study. A total of 60 patients in two groups of 30 were included in the study. The patients who received LILT treatment constituted the treatment group (n=30), and the patients receiving placebo LILT constituted the control group (n=30). VAS for resting and resisted wrist extension, HAQ, PRTEE-T pain, function, and total scales were used to measure patients' pain status and response to treatment. Results were compared by analyzing patient files and recorded data.
 Results: A total of 48 (80%) subjects were female and 12 (20%) were male. The mean age of the control group was 47.8±7.4 years, and the mean age of the treatment group was 45.7±8.5 years. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, and occupational distribution (p>0.05). In our study, the group treated with LILT showed statistically significant improvement in all parameters (VAS, HAQ, PRTEE) we investigated compared to the control group (p

Tennis elbow: a prospective comparative clinical study comparing the outcome of conservative of management local infiltrations of leucocyte enriched platelet-rich plasma and glucocorticoid

Background: Lateral epicondylitis is a painful condition of the elbow, characterised by pain and tenderness with resisted wrist extension. This study was carried out to evaluate the comparative efficacy of the local infiltration of leucocyte enriched platelet rich plasma (L-PRP) and methylprednisolone in patients with lateral epicondylitis.Methods: Sixty adult patients, between the ages 30 to 50 years, diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis of more than 12 weeks, were enrolled in the prospective randomised study. Their medical history and previous conservative treatment were recorded; the clinical evaluation of the tendinitis was made with the visual analogue scale (VAS), the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) outcome scores, the modified elbow performance index (MEPS), the functional assessment by patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE), together with the laboratory investigations. The patients were randomised using the computer-generated alphabets into two groups of 30: group A received PRP, and group B received corticosteroid.Results: Patients were seen at 4, 8 and 12 weeks to evaluate the post-injection status. VAS, DASH, and PRTEE scores were significantly reduced, and MEPS was significantly improved in group A compared to group B.Conclusions: PRP leads to superior healing with long-term therapeutic advantages compared to corticosteroids though it takes a little longer to have its effect.

The Effect of Elbow and Forearm Position on the Resisted Wrist Extension Test and Incidence of Sensory Disturbance of the Superficial Radial Nerve in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis.

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of elbow and forearm position on the resisted wrist extension test (RWET) in patients with lateral epicondylitis. We also looked at the incidence of associated sensory disturbance of the superficial radial nerve (SRN) and the effect of treatment of lateral epicondylitis on sensory disturbance. Methods: Sixty-three consecutive patients (68 limbs) with lateral epicondylitis and an equal number of age and gender matched volunteers were investigated. Patients with lateral epicondylitis were subdivided into two groups based on history of corticosteroid injection. We performed the RWET in four limb positions namely elbow extended and forearm pronated (EP), elbow flexed and forearm pronated (FP), elbow extended and forearm supinated (ES), elbow flexed and forearm supinated (FS). Sensory disturbance in the SRN was assessed using a Wartenberg pin wheel. Results: The positivity rate of the RWET was significantly higher in the EP position (100%) compared to the FP (66%), ES (62%) and the FS (24%) positions in limbs with lateral epicondylitis. The RWET was positive only in one subject in the EP position in the control group (1.5%). Sensory disturbance in the SRN territory was present in 63.2% of limbs and only two subjects (2.9%) in the control group. The incidence of sensory disturbance was significantly higher (74.5% vs. 48.3%, p < 0.05) in patients who did not have a corticosteroid injection. Conclusions: The sensitivity and specificity of the RWET is better when it is performed with the elbow in extension with the forearm pronated (EP); 63.2% of limbs with lateral epicondylitis were noted to have an associated sensory disturbance of the SRN and a corticosteroid injection seems to decrease the incidence of sensory disturbances. Level of Evidence: Level II (Diagnostic).

Management of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Prospective Comparative Study Comparing the Local Infiltrations of Leucocyte Enriched Platelet-Rich Plasma (L-aPRP), Glucocorticoid and Normal Saline.

Introduction:Lateral epicondylitis is a painful condition of the elbow, characterised by pain and tenderness with resisted wrist extension. This study was carried out to evaluate the comparative efficacy of the local infiltration of L-PRP, methylprednisolone and normal saline in patients with lateral epicondylitis.Materials and methods:Sixty adult patients, between the ages 30 to 50 years, diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis of more than 12 weeks, were enrolled in the prospective randomised study. Their medical history and previous conservative treatment were recorded; the clinical evaluation of the tendinitis was made with the visual analogue scale (VAS), the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) outcome scores, the modified elbow performance index (MEPS), the functional assessment by patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE), together with the laboratory investigations. The patients were randomised using the computer-generated alphabets into three groups of 20: group A received saline, group B received PRP, and group C received corticosteroids.Results:Patients were seen at 4, 8 and 12 weeks to evaluate the post-injection status. VAS, DASH, and PRTEE scores were significantly reduced, and MEPS was significantly improved in group B compared to group A and group C. Moreover, the reductions in VAS and PRTEE were significantly different in group C compared to group A.Conclusion:PRP leads to superior healing with long-term therapeutic advantages compared to corticosteroids though it takes a little longer to have its effect.

A Soccer Fan’s Pain In The Elbow

HISTORY: A 35-year-old right-hand dominant male soccer fan presents with 3 days of acute right elbow pain. He began to experience progressive right lateral elbow pain while clapping exuberantly during a Seattle Sounders come from behind victory. He could recall no other trauma or inciting event. He had noticed some mild elbow soreness a few days preceding acute onset of pain. He endorsed elbow warmth and swelling as well as severe pain with any movement. He denied numbness, tingling, chills, fevers, fatigue, malaise. No prior history of rheumatic disease or gout. An x-ray obtained prior to presentation to our clinic showed small elbow joint effusion which the radiologist noted was suspicious for occult radial head fracture. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Swelling of right elbow with mild erythema. Decreased passive and active range of motion with elbow flexion, elbow extension, pronation, and supination. Tenderness to palpation overlying radial head as well as to olecranon bursa. Resisted wrist extension reproduced symptoms. Neurovascular exam was normal. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: 1. Occult radial head fracture 2. Lateral epicondylitis 3. Radial tunnel syndrome 4. Septic arthritis 5. Inflammatory arthropathy TEST AND RESULTS: X-ray: A small joint effusion suspicious for occult radial head fracture was noted. Ultrasound: Large elbow joint effusion tracking from the radiocapitellar joint deep to the triceps tendon insertion posteriorly. Common extensor tendon was intact. No swelling of the radial nerve visualized. Joint Aspiration: Joint aspiration revealed initially bloody then cloudy fluid. No organisms on gram stain or culture. Cell count revealed inflammatory joint aspirate containing over 50,000 WBCs of which 95% were neutrophils. Intracellular monosodium urate crystals were identified. FINAL WORKING DIAGNOSIS: Acute gout flare of right elbow TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: Radiocapitellar joint steroid injection was performed due to ongoing pain despite oral NSAID use. Elbow pain resolved approximately 1 week after the injection. Dietary considerations were discussed. Patient advised to discuss uric acid lowering agents with PCP.

Early Results of Kinesio Taping and Steroid Injections in Elbow Lateral Epicondylitis: A Randomized, Controlled Study.

Background and objectives: This study prospectively compares early results of Kinesio tape (KT) as an alternative method for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis with those of corticosteroid injection and the rest-and-medication group (RMG). Materials and methods: Among the fifty patients (53 elbows), KT was applied to 20 patients (21 elbows), and corticosteroid injection (CSI) was applied to 15 patients (17 elbows). Fifteen patients were included in the RMG. Patients in the RMG were informed about their condition, and necessary warnings were given. No oral or topical treatments were recommended. If needed, paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were prescribed. Patients were classified according to the Nirschl scores and evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS); Quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QDASH); and the Turkish version of the Patient Related Elbow Evaluation (PREE-T). Results: Improvements in all scores were statistically significant in all groups at the end of the second week. At the end of the fourth week, there was also a statistically significant improvement in all three groups, but these improvements were not as high as they were in the first 2 weeks. There was a slight deterioration in the functional scores in the RMG and CSI groups, while the improvement in the KT group continued. In the KT group, the average QDASH score was 18.1 (4.5–35), the VAS score was 2 (1–3), the VAS score in resisted wrist extension was 4 (2–5) and the Nirschl score was 2 (1–3) at the fourth week. The KT group had significant superiority in these parameters over the RMG (p = 0.035, p = 0.035, p = 0.029, p = 0.035, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between the KT, the RMG and the CSI groups at the fourth week. Conclusions: CSI, KT and rest-and-medication treatments were all effective in terms of pain reduction and functional scores at the end of week 2, and the only treatment that continued to be effective in the final week was KT.

Bilateral Forearm And Elbow Pain - Tennis

HISTORY: A 75 year-old female tennis player was referred for bilateral elbow pain with suspected lateral epicondylitis. She noted 3 months of pain in her left more than right ventral forearms with radiation into her lateral elbows as well as posterior bilateral shoulder pains. The forearm pain was constant and worsened by single backhand with tennis, lifting weights. She reported reduced grip strength and her racquet falling out of her hands. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Cervical range of motion was within functional limits. Elbow examination showed full active and passive range of motion, minimal tenderness along lateral epicondyle and just distal at tendinous origin, and no pain with resisted wrist extension and middle finger extension. She had finger extension weakness without pain bilaterally 3/5 and otherwise motor testing was 5/5 C5-T1 myotomes. Sensation was intact in C5-T1 dermatomes bilaterally. Reflexes were 2+ and symmetric of biceps and brachioradialis and 3+ at the triceps bilaterally. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: 1. Bilateral lateral epicondylitis 2. Cervical spine stenosis with myelopathy 3. Posterior interosseous neuropathy TEST AND RESULTS: Cervical Spine anterior-posterior and lateral radiographs: - Grade 2 anterolisthesis of C7 on T1 is seen with bilateral pars fracture of C7. Moderate multilevel degenerative disc disease. MRI of the Cervical Spine without Contrast: - Advanced facet arthropathy at C7-T1. Anterolisthesis of C7 on T1 causing moderate/severe spinal stenosis with mild cord deformity. Severe bilateral foraminal stenosis at this level. FINAL/WORKING DIAGNOSIS: Cervical central spine stenosis with myelopathy TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: 1. Neurosurgery referral recommended urgent C7-T1 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion followed by C5-T2 posterior spinal fusion 2. She was placed in hard cervical collar at all times and surgery was performed 1 week after neurosurgery evaluation 3. At 1 week postoperative, patient felt 80% improvement in pain in forearms and elbows along with subjectively improved grip strength 4. She continued the hard cervical collar until repeat radiographs at 6 weeks post surgery. 5. Patient was instructed to avoid playing tennis. She was also informed to avoid bending, twisting of her neck or lifting greater than 5 pounds until further evaluation in 6 week visit.

Platelet-rich Plasma or Autologous Blood Do Not Reduce Pain or Improve Function in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous blood are commonly used therapies for lateral epicondylitis, but the evidence from randomized, placebo-controlled trials is conflicting. Thus, it is still unclear if patients benefit from these treatments. In the setting of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we compared PRP, autologous blood, and saline injections in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis with respect to: (1) VAS pain scores, and (2) functional outcomes (DASH score and grip strength) 1 year after treatment. We performed a parallel-group, randomized, controlled participant- and assessor-blinded study including adults with clinically diagnosed lateral epicondylitis. We defined lateral epicondylitis as pain in the lateral humeral epicondyle area exacerbated during resisted wrist extension and epicondyle compression. The participants were recruited from a secondary referral center, after not responding to initial nonoperative treatment. Patients with other concomitant upper-limb symptoms and surgical treatment of the elbow were excluded. Randomization sequence was generated with computer software and concealed from the investigators. We randomized 119 participants to receive an injection of PRP, autologous blood, or saline (1:1:1) in the proximal insertion of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle; 40 participants received PRP, 40 received autologous blood, and 39 received a saline injection. To prepare the PRP, we collected venous blood with a syringe kit followed by centrifugation, whereas autologous blood group received unprepared blood injection. Two unblinded investigators gave injections while the participant was unable to see the injection. There was no formal postinjection rehabilitation protocol and the use of NSAIDs was similar between different treatment arms. Follow-up visits were at 4, 8, 12, 26, and 52 weeks after the injection. The primary outcome measure was improvement in pain, measured with VAS scale (without specification as to whether the pain was activity related or at rest; range 0-10; a higher score indicates worse pain; the minimum clinically important difference [MCID] on the 10-cm scale was 1.5 cm), from baseline to 52 weeks. The secondary outcomes were the DASH score (range 0-100; a higher indicates a poorer outcome, and the MCID was 10.2 points) and grip strength. All patients were included in the analyses, and analyses were performed using the intention-to-treat principle. There was no crossover between treatment groups. At 52 weeks, nearly all (95% [38 of 40]) participants in autologous blood group were available for analysis whereas 78% (31 of 40) and 82% (32 of 39) were available in PRP and saline groups. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov and funded by the local hospital district. With 40 patients in each group, we had 80% power to detect a clinically important improvement in pain (1.5 cm on the 10-cm VAS pain scale). There were no clinically important differences in the mean VAS pain or DASH scores among the groups at any timepoint. At 52 weeks, the mean difference in the VAS score for pain was -0.2 (95% CI -1.5 to 1.1; p = 0.75) for PRP versus saline and 0.5 (95% CI -0.7 to 1.7; p = 0.40) for autologous blood versus saline. The corresponding mean differences in the DASH score were 0.0 (95% CI -9.2 to 9.2; p > 0.99) and 7.7 (95% CI -1.3 to 16.7; p = 0.09) and those for grip strength were 1.4 kg (95% CI -3.3 to 6.1; p = 0.56) and -0.2 kg (95% CI -5.0 to 4.5; p = 0.92). No complications occurred because of the injections. PRP or autologous blood injections did not improve pain or function at 1 year of follow-up in people with lateral epicondylitis compared with those who were given a saline injection. However, because the 95% CIs did not exclude the MCID in VAS scores for autologous blood versus saline at 52 weeks, it is possible that a larger study could identify a between-group difference that we missed, but the effect size of that difference (based on our findings), even if present, is likely still to be small. Until or unless future randomized trials convincingly show a benefit either to PRP or autologous blood injections, we recommend against their use in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Level II, therapeutic study.

Chronic Tennis Elbow Treated by Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Steroid Injections: A Comparative Study

Background: Painful elbow joint over the lateral epicondyle especially with resisted wrist extension are common signs of lateral epicondyle tendinopathy, also called tennis elbow.&#x0D; Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcome of local platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection in patients with chronic tennis elbow compared with a steroid (Depomedrol 40 mg) injection.&#x0D; Methods: A total of 88 patients with chronic tennis elbow were treated at Al-Kindy Teaching Hospital and private clinics. All patients had chronic pain for about 24 weeks or more and had failed first line treatment. The patients dividing into two groups, Group A injected with PRP (n = 44), and group B injected with depomedrol 40 mg (n = 44). A good clinical result was demarcated as 25% or more progress on the visual analog scale for pain. All patients followed for 6 months in both group for clinical successful result.&#x0D; Results: At three months (n = 44), in group A reported a perfection of 58.2% in their pain scores while 49.3% in the group B (N = 44). At 6 months follow up, the group A informed a perfection of 74.3% in their pain scores while 58.4 % in the group B. The local elbow tenderness recording at three months was 37.4% in the group A, while in the group B was 48.4%. At six months, 16.1% versus 30.2% recounted major elbow tenderness (P = .009) in groups (A and B) respectively.&#x0D; The clinical improvement rates at three months revealed no changes between both groups while it showed more significant clinically changes in group A ( 87.1%) than in group B (70.1 %) with P value = 0.008 after six months follow up.&#x0D; Conclusion: No important changes were found at 3 months in both groups, but at 6months, clinical significant perfections in patients treated with PRP group (group A)

The effect of two types of maximal voluntary contraction and two electrode positions in field recordings of forearm extensor muscle activity during hotel room cleaning

Purpose. This study aimed to investigate the effects of using hand grip or resisted wrist extension as the reference contraction, and two electrode positions, on field recordings of forearm extensor muscle activity. Materials and methods. Right forearm extensor muscle activity was recorded using two electrode pairs (over the most prominent part (position 2) and proximal to that (position 1)) during one working day in 13 female hotel housekeepers. Each subject performed the two maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs), and the electrical activity obtained during these (maximal voluntary electrical activity (MVE)) was used for normalization. Each set of recordings was analysed twice, once using hand grip as the MVC and once using resisted wrist extension. Results. Resisted wrist extension showed a higher group mean MVE than hand grip. Position 2 had higher correlation between MVE and force during the MVCs. The workload during cleaning was lower when using resisted wrist extension as reference than when using hand grip (24%MVE vs 46%MVE; p = 0.002 at position 2) for the 90th percentile. The workload (99th percentile) was overestimated in two subjects when using hand grip as reference. Conclusions. Problems associated with poorly activated forearm extensors can be overcome by using resisted wrist extension as reference.

Kinesio taping reduces elbow pain during resisted wrist extension in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis: a randomized, double-blinded, cross-over study

BackgroundLateral epicondylitis is frequently seen in racquet sport players and the treatments are usually symptomatic rather than curative. Taping therapy is cheap and easy to apply in the sport field. In this study we valued the effectiveness of Kinesio taping (KT) on immediate pain control for patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis.MethodsWe conducted a randomized, double-blinded, cross-over study with 15 patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis. All participants received two taping sessions in a random order with a 3-day interval in between: one with KT and the other with sham taping (ST). Pain perceived during resisted wrist extension and at rest using numeric rating scale (NRS), the pain-free grip strength, and the pressure pain threshold, were measured before and 15 min after the tape was applied.ResultsA significant reduction of 2.1 ± 1.6 (Z = − 3.081, P = 0.002) and 0.7 ± 0.8 (Z = − 2.428, P = 0.015) was found on a NRS with KT and ST, respectively, indicating that both taping sessions produced immediate pain relief for resisted wrist extension. Both taping sessions significantly improved the pain-free grip strength with increases of 3.31 ± 5.05 (Z = − 2.615, P = 0.009) and 2.43 ± 3.31 (Z = − 2.783, P = 0.005) kg found with KT and ST, respectively. Compared with ST, KT exhibited superiority in controlling pain experienced during resisted wrist extension (Z = − 2.168, P = 0.030).ConclusionsTaping produced unneglectable placebo effects on pain relief and painf-free grip strength for patients with lateral epicondylitis, and KT seemed to have additional effects on controlling pain that was elicited by resisted wrist extension.Trial registrationISRCTN13618356 (retrospectively registered on 13/02/2017).

Comparing two methods to record maximal voluntary contractions and different electrode positions in recordings of forearm extensor muscle activity: Refining risk assessments for work-related wrist disorders.

BACKGROUND:Wrist disorders are common in force demanding industrial repetitive work. Visual assessment of force demands have a low reliability, instead surface electromyography (EMG) may be used as part of a risk assessment for work-related wrist disorders. For normalization of EMG recordings, a power grip (hand grip) is often used as maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the forearm extensor muscles. However, the test-retest reproducibility is poor and EMG amplitudes exceeding 100% have occasionally been recorded during work. An alternative MVC is resisted wrist extension, which may be more reliable.OBJECTIVE:To compare hand grip and resisted wrist extension MVCs, in terms of amplitude and reproducibility, and to examine the effect of electrode positioning.METHODS:Twelve subjects participated. EMG from right forearm extensors, from four electrode pairs, was recorded during MVCs, on three separate occasions.RESULTS:The group mean EMG amplitudes for resisted wrist extension were 1.2–1.7 times greater than those for hand grip. Resisted wrist extension showed better reproducibility than hand grip.CONCLUSIONS:The results indicate that the use of resisted wrist extension is a more accurate measurement of maximal effort of wrist extensor contractions than using hand grip and should increase the precision in EMG recordings from forearm extensor muscles, which in turn will increase the quality of risk assessments that are based on these.

A Review of the Evaluation, Treatment, and Rating of Lateral Epicondylitis

Abstract Lateral epicondylitis, often called “tennis elbow,” is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain around the lateral elbow and adjacent forearm with resisted wrist extension or passive terminal wrist flexion with the elbow in full extension, plus tenderness over and/or just distal to the lateral epicondyle. The name is a misnomer because the pathology is neither inflammatory nor located in the lateral epicondyle but rather represents a chronic tendinosis with disorganized tissue and neovessels of the tendon originating from the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle and less commonly the extensor digitorum communis muscle, which originate on the lateral epicondyle. Clinical assessment involves understanding the chronology, precipitating activities, current symptoms, and interference with activities of daily living. Physical examination is performed bilaterally and includes palpitation provocative testing, measuring elbow and wrist motions, and neurological evaluation. Many treatments have been proposed, but little quality evidence supports any specific approach; more than 90% of cases are managed nonoperatively. Severe cases that have failed at least months of nonoperative management may warrant surgical assessment, but studies of surgical results for treatment of lateral epicondylitis are limited. Impairment rating may be necessary in a minority of cases and involves using the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides), Sixth Edition, based on diagnosis-based impairment and using Table 15-4, Elbow Regional Grid: Upper Extremity Impairments.

A retrospective comparison of the management of recalcitrant lateral elbow tendinosis: platelet-rich plasma injections versus surgery.

The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to surgical release and decortication for lateral elbow tendinosis within a similar patient population. A retrospective chart review was performed on two groups of patients, receiving either PRP injections (n = 28) or surgery (n = 50). Patient demographics, clinical presentation, pain score, worker's compensation status, and previous steroid injections were recorded. Primary outcomes included pain and symptom improvement, range of motion, return to work, and postoperative complications. Demographics, duration of symptoms, and exam findings were similar between the PRP and surgical patients. There was no significant difference in pain and symptom improvement. Pain improvement was reported in 89.3% of PRP patients and 84% of surgical patients, with a reported percent reduction in pain of 61.1 and 55%, respectively. Symptoms other than pain improved in 85.7 and 88% of the PRP and surgical patients, respectively. Tenderness to palpation at the lateral epicondyle (64.3% PRP, 44% surgical), pain with resisted wrist extension (35.7% PRP, 30% surgical), or residual symptoms other than pain (14.3% PRP, 10% surgical) were not significantly different between groups at last follow-up. Eighty-two percent of patients in both the PRP and surgical groups returned to work. No complications were reported. Mean follow-up was 315 vs. 352days for the PRP and surgical groups, respectively. Similar outcomes in pain improvement and return to work may be achievable with either PRP injections or surgery in recalcitrant lateral elbow tendinosis. PRP injections may be a reasonable alternative for patients apprehensive to proceed with surgery or poor surgical candidates.

CSM 2014 Orthopaedic Section Poster Presentations (OPO1106–OPO1165, OPO2218–OPO2298, OPO3106–OPO3183)

CSM 2014 Orthopaedic Section Poster Presentations (OPO1106–OPO1165, OPO2218–OPO2298, OPO3106–OPO3183)

Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Chronic Tennis Elbow

Background: Elbow tenderness and pain with resisted wrist extension are common manifestations of lateral epicondylar tendinopathy, also known as tennis elbow. Previous studies have suggested platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to be a safe and effective therapy for tennis elbow. Purpose: To evaluate the clinical value of tendon needling with PRP in patients with chronic tennis elbow compared with an active control group. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 230 patients with chronic lateral epicondylar tendinopathy were treated at 12 centers over 5 years. All patients had at least 3 months of symptoms and had failed conventional therapy. There were no differences in patients randomized to receive PRP (n = 116) or active controls (n = 114). The PRP was prepared from venous whole blood at the point of care and contained both concentrated platelets and leukocytes. After receiving a local anesthetic, all patients had their extensor tendons needled with or without PRP. Patients and investigators remained blinded to the treatment group throughout the study. A successful outcome was defined as 25% or greater improvement on the visual analog scale for pain. Results: Patient outcomes were followed for up to 24 weeks. At 12 weeks (n = 192), the PRP-treated patients reported an improvement of 55.1% in their pain scores compared with 47.4% in the active control group (P = .163). At 24 weeks (n = 119), the PRP-treated patients reported an improvement of 71.5% in their pain scores compared with 56.1% in the control group (P = .019). The percentage of patients reporting significant elbow tenderness at 12 weeks was 37.4% in the PRP group versus 48.4% in the control group (P = .143). Success rates for patients at 12 weeks were 75.2% in the PRP group versus 65.9% in the control group (P = .104). At 24 weeks, 29.1% of the PRP-treated patients reported significant elbow tenderness versus 54.0% in the control group (P = .009). Success rates for patients with 24 weeks of follow-up were 83.9% in the PRP group compared with 68.3% in the control group (P = .037). No significant complications occurred in either group. Conclusion: No significant differences were found at 12 weeks in this study. At 24 weeks, however, clinically meaningful improvements were found in patients treated with leukocyte-enriched PRP compared with an active control group.

Effects of Low-Level Laser and Plyometric Exercises in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis

This study was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of a protocol of combination of laser with plyometric exercises and a protocol of placebo laser with the same program, in the treatment of tennis elbow. The use of low-level laser has been recommended for the management of tennis elbow with contradictory results. Also, plyometric exercises was recommended for the treatment of the tendinopathy. Fifty patients who had tennis elbow participated in the study and were randomised into two groups. Group A (n = 25) was treated with a 904 Ga-As laser CW, frequency 50 Hz, intensity 40 mW and energy density 2.4 J/cm(2), plus plyometric exercises and group B (n = 25) that received placebo laser plus the same plyometric exercises. During eight weeks of treatment, the patients of the two groups received 12 sessions of laser or placebo, two sessions per week (weeks 1-4) and one session per week (weeks 5-8). Pain at rest, at palpation on the lateral epicondyle, during resisted wrist extension, middle finger test, and strength testing was evaluated using Visual Analogue Scales. Also it was evaluated the grip strength, the range of motion and weight test. Parameters were determined before the treatment, at the end of the eighth week course of treatment (week 8), and eighth (week 8) after the end of treatment. Relative to the group B, the group A had (1) a significant decrease of pain at rest at the end of 8 weeks of the treatment (p < 0.005) and at the end of following up period (p < 0.05), (2) a significant decrease in pain at palpation and pain on isometric testing at 8 weeks of treatment (p < 0.05), and at 8 weeks follow-up (p < 0.001), (3) a significant decrease in pain during middle finger test at the end of 8 weeks of treatment (p < 0.01), and at the end of the follow-up period (p < 0.05), (4) a significant decrease of pain during grip strength testing at 8 weeks of treatment (p < 0.05), and at 8 weeks follow-up (p < 0.001), (5) a significant increase in the wrist range of motion at 8 weeks follow-up (p < 0.01), (6) an increase in grip strength at 8 weeks of treatment (p < 0.05) and at 8 weeks follow-up (p < 0.01), and (7) a significant increase in weight-test at 8 weeks of treatment (p < 0.05) and at 8 weeks follow-up (p < 0.005). The results suggested that the combination of laser with plyometric exercises was more effective treatment than placebo laser with the same plyometric exercises at the end of the treatment as well as at the follow-up. Future studies are needed to establish the relative and absolute effectiveness of the above protocol.

Epicondylar Injury in Sport

Epicondylar injuries in sports with overhead or repetitive arm actions are frequent and often severe. Acute injury that results in inflammation should be termed epicondylitis and is usually the result of large valgus forces with medial distraction and lateral compression. Epicondylosis develops over a longer period of time from repetitive forces and results in structural changes in the tendon. Epicondylalgia refers to elbow pain at either the medial or lateral epicondyl of the elbow related to tendinopathy of the common flexor or extensor tendon origins at these points. Pain is usually associated with gripping, resisted wrist extension and certain movements such as in tennis and golf, hence the common terms 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylsis) and 'golf elbow' (medial epicondylossi). A variety of assessment and diagnostic tools are available to aid the clinician in their comprehensive evaluation of the patient to ensure correct diagnosis and the appropriate conservative or surgical management strategy. Corticosteroids and elbow straps are often used for treatment; however, there is only very limited prospective clinical or experimental evidence for their effectiveness. The most effective modalities of treatment are probably rest (the absence of painful activity) combined with cryotherapy in the acute stage then NSAIDs and heat in its various modalities including ultrasound. Cortisone injections may be used to create a pain-free window of opportunity to optimise the athletes' rehabilitation exercises. Medical practitioners should have a good understanding of the mechanisms of injury in order to help treat and prevent the re-occurrence of injuries. More emphasis by medical and sport science personnel working with coaches and athletes needs to be placed on prevention of elbow injury in sport through improved joint strength, biomechanically sound sport technique and use of appropriate sport equipment.