Comparison of two ultrasonographic localization techniques for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis with extracorporeal shock wave therapy: a randomized study.
OBJECTIVE
To describe and compare two ultrasonographic localization techniques for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT).


METHODS
Forty-one subjects selected through clinical examination were randomly assigned to two groups of treatment.


METHODS
Each subject received a three-session ultrasound-guided ESWT (performed weekly). Lateral tangential focusing was used in group A, whereas back tangential focusing was used for group B.


METHODS
Total Elbow Scoring System (TESS) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate each subject before the treatment and at six months follow-up.


RESULTS
TESS and VAS pretreatment scores were homogeneous between the groups (p > 0.05). In both groups there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the TESS score and a decrease in the VAS score but there was no resolution of the pain. TESS and VAS follow-up scores were homogeneous between the two groups (p > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
There was no difference between the two techniques of using ESWT.
Melegati
Gianluca
G
Center for Sports Rehabilitation, Galeazzi Orthopedics Institute, Milan, Italy.
Tornese
Davide
D
Bandi
Marco
M
Rubini
Manuela
M
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013716:Tennis Elbow / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography