ESWT in Lateral Epicondylitis: Clinical,Ultrasonographic Evaluation

Clinical and Sonographic Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis

This study aimed to check and compare how well shock wave therapy works for tennis elbow, both in terms of symptoms and what we can see on ultrasound.

42 patients with tennis elbow were split into two groups by chance: one group received shock wave therapy (ESWT), while the other received a fake treatment (Sham-ESWT) for comparison. Both groups underwent wrist exercises, splint usage, and ice application. Grip strength, pain levels, and how well they could move their wrist (functionality) were measured before, after, and one month post-treatment using tests. Additionally, the thickness of a common extensor tendon (CET) was evaluated using ultrasound. The patient, the doctor checking the patient, and the doctor doing the ultrasound didn't know which group the patient was in.

Inclusion Criteria:

• experiencing pain and tenderness in the lateral epicondyle while extending their wrist and fingers against resistance for at least 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who are pregnant or have a coagulation disorder, cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vasculopathy in the upper extremity, complex regional pain syndrome, local infections, systemic inflammatory disease, fibromyalgia syndrome, arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis, spondylarthritis, and crystal-induced arthropathies), malignancy, or those who have been treated with corticosteroids, PRP, or autologous blood injection, as well as those who have received physical therapy agents, undergone upper-extremity surgical interventions, or have a history of direct trauma to the elbow or a history of fracture,