The effects of splinting on outcomes for epicondylitis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of splinting on outcomes for injured workers with epicondylitis.


METHODS
Retrospective cohort study using propensity score methodology to statistically control for all observed pretreatment differences between patients with and without splints.


METHODS
Nationwide network of 253 occupational medicine clinics.


METHODS
All injured workers (N=4614) receiving primary care for lateral or medical epicondylitis (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, codes 726.31 or 726.32).


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Physician-prescribed rates of duty restrictions and lost time, treatment duration, specialist referrals, and medical and physical therapy (PT) visits and charges.


RESULTS
Overall, patients with splints had higher rates of limited duty ( P <.001), more medical visits and charges ( P <.001), higher total charges (medical and PT, P <.001), and longer treatment durations ( P <.01) than patients without splints. Evaluating differences for patients who did and did not receive PT, significant differences remained for rates of limited duty ( P <.05), medical visits ( P <.01), and medical charges ( P <.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Splinting patients with epicondylitis may not optimize outcomes, including rates of limited duty, treatment duration, and medical costs.
Derebery
V Jane
VJ
Concentra Inc., 5080 Spectrum Drive, Suite 400, West Tower, Addison, TX 75001, USA.
Devenport
Jenny N
JN
Giang
Geneva M
GM
Fogarty
W Tom
WT
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004651:Employment; D005249:Fees and Charges / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005102:Health Expenditures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000191:economics / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009819:Office Visits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013165:Splints; D013716:Tennis Elbow / Q000191:economics / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014481:United States