title: A randomized study comparing corticosteroid injection to corticosteroid iontophoresis for lateral epicondylitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We designed a prospective, randomized study to evaluate the effects of iontophoresis delivery of dexamethasone versus corticosteroid injection therapy on patient outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  We randomized 82 patients to 10 mg dexamethasone via iontophoresis using a self-contained patch with a 24-hour battery; 10 mg dexamethasone injection; or 10 mg triamcinolone injection. All patients received the same hand therapy protocol. Primary outcomes tracked were change in grip strength (flexion vs extension), pain, and function scores on a validated questionnaire. The secondary outcome was return-to-work status. Patients were evaluated at baseline, completion of physical therapy, and 6-month follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The iontophoresis patients had statistically significant improvement in grip strength at the conclusion of hand therapy compared with baseline. They were also more likely to get back to work without restriction. By 6-month follow-up, all groups had equivalent results for all measured outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dexamethasone via iontophoresis produced short-term benefits because for this group grip strength and unrestricted return to work were significantly better. This study suggests that this iontophoresis technique for delivery of corticosteroid may be considered a treatment option for patients with lateral epicondylitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Therapeutic II.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
authors.forename: Amalia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stefanou
authors.forename: Nathan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Holdan
authors.forename: Aamir
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Siddiqui
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007478:Iontophoresis / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013716:Tennis Elbow / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014221:Triamcinolone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014221:Triamcinolone; D003907:Dexamethasone