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Amako M, Arai T, Iba K, Ikeda M, Ikegami H, Imada H, Kanamori A, Namba J, Nishiura Y, Okazaki M, Soejima O, Tanaka T, Tatebe M, Yoshikawa Y, Suzuki K. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) clinical practice guidelines on the management of lateral epicondylitis of the humerus - Secondary publication. J Orthop Sci 2022; 27:514-532. [PMID: 34922804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jos.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The guidelines presented herein provide recommendations for the management of patients with lateral epicondylitis of the humerus. These recommendations are endorsed by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and Japan Elbow Society. METHODS The JOA lateral epicondylitis guideline committee revised the previous guidelines on the basis of the "Medical Information Network Distribution Service Handbook for Clinical Practice Guideline Development 2014", which emphasized the importance of the balance between benefit and harm, and proposed a desirable method for preparing clinical guidelines in Japan. These guidelines consist of 11 clinical questions (CQs), 9 background questions (BQs), and 3 future research questions (FRQs). For each CQ, outcomes from the literature were collected and evaluated systematically according to the adopted study design. RESULTS The committee proposed recommendations for each CQ by determining the level of evidence and assessing the consensus rate. Physical therapy was the best recommendation with the best evidence. The BQs and FRQs were answered by collecting evidence based on the literature. CONCLUSIONS The guidelines presented herein were reviewed systematically, and recommendations were proposed for each CQ. These guidelines are expected to be widely used not only by surgeons or physicians but also by other healthcare providers, such as nurses, therapists, and athletic trainers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Amako
- Lateral Epicondylitis Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee, Japan; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Defense Medical College Hospital, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Arai
- Lateral Epicondylitis Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kousuke Iba
- Lateral Epicondylitis Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Ikeda
- Lateral Epicondylitis Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shonan Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Ikegami
- Lateral Epicondylitis Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Toho University, Japan
| | - Hideaki Imada
- Lateral Epicondylitis Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Higashihiroshima Medical Center, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kanamori
- Lateral Epicondylitis Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tsukuba University Hospital, Japan
| | - Jiro Namba
- Lateral Epicondylitis Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Japan Community Health Care Organization, Hoshigaoka Medical Center, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Nishiura
- Lateral Epicondylitis Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee, Japan; Tsuchiura Clinical Education and Training Center, Tsukuba University Hospital, Japan
| | - Masato Okazaki
- Lateral Epicondylitis Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee, Japan; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ogikubo Hospital, Japan
| | - Osamu Soejima
- Lateral Epicondylitis Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fukuoka Sanno Hospital, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Tanaka
- Lateral Epicondylitis Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kikkoman General Hospital, Japan
| | - Masahiro Tatebe
- Lateral Epicondylitis Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee, Japan; Department of Hand Surgery, Nagoya University, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yoshikawa
- Lateral Epicondylitis Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Komazawa Hospital, Japan
| | - Katsuji Suzuki
- Lateral Epicondylitis Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okazaki Medical Center, Fujita Medical University, Japan
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Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Neuromodulation in Patients with Chronic Lateral Epicondylalgia: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094877. [PMID: 34063673 PMCID: PMC8125558 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to analyze effects of a percutaneous neuromodulation (PNM) treatment on the radial nerve, regarding pain, functionality, electrophysiologic excitability, and morphology, in patients with chronic lateral epicondylalgia (LE). METHODS Twenty-four patients with chronic unilateral elbow pain were recruited for this preliminary study and were divided into two groups: control (n = 12) and PNM group (n = 12). The subjects in the PNM group received percutaneous peripheral neurostimulation with an acupuncture needle that was located next to the nerve with ultrasound guidance. Pain using a numerical rating scale (NRS), functional ability using patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE), radial nerve cross-sectional area measured by ultrasound, and chronaxie and accommodation index (AI) measured by the strength-duration curve were evaluated. RESULTS Both groups showed no differences in the baseline measurements (all p = 0.001). However, at the end of the treatment, there were significant differences between groups since only the PNM group significantly improved their values compared to their baseline values: level of pain and cross-sectional area (CSA) values showed a significant decrease while the PRTEE scores showed a significant improvement. Then, regarding AI, the PNM group showed significant improvement for the electrophysiologic nerve excitability pattern, reporting normal function in all radial nerves after treatment (p = 0.001). However, chronaxie values always reported similar values with no differences between groups (p >0.05); Conclusion: Ultrasound-PNM technique may be an interesting therapeutic tool for the treatment of chronic LE due to the improvement in the level of pain, functionality, nerve morphology, and excitability in this population.
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Krogh TP, Fredberg U, Ammitzbøll C, Ellingsen T. Clinical Value of Ultrasonographic Assessment in Lateral Epicondylitis Versus Asymptomatic Healthy Controls. Am J Sports Med 2020; 48:1873-1883. [PMID: 32484714 DOI: 10.1177/0363546520921949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasonography (US) is often used in the assessment of lateral epicondylitis (LE). The strength of evidence supporting its role is, however, not well-documented. PURPOSE To describe and compare the US tendinopathic changes observed in patients with LE and the general population, including any correlation between patient characteristics and US outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS Tendon thickness, color Doppler activity, and bone spur were assessed by US in 264 participants with healthy elbows and 60 patients with chronic LE. In addition to patient characteristics, Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) score, pain, and disability were recorded. RESULTS Depending on the measurement technique used, mean LE tendon thickness increased by 0.53 mm (10.2%) or 0.70 mm (14.5%) as compared with the contralateral arm and 0.40 mm (7.9%) or 0.41 mm (8.5%) as compared with the general population. Mean color Doppler activity (scale, 0-4) was 3.47 in the LE arm versus 0.13 in the contralateral asymptomatic arm and 0.26 in the general population. Bone spur was observed in 78% of the LE arms as opposed to 45% in the contralateral arms and 50% in the general population. In the LE group and the general population, the prevalence of bone spur increases with age. No correlations were observed with pain, disability, PRTEE, and disease duration. CONCLUSION Increased common extensor tendon thickness is part of the tendinopathic changes observed in LE. However, given the marked variation in natural tendon thickness and small increases in tendon thickness in patients with LE, this technique cannot be used as a stand-alone diagnostic tool but rather as a supplement to the overall assessment. The contralateral elbow (if asymptomatic) is a better tendon thickness comparator than a general population mean value. Color Doppler activity is an indicator of ongoing tendinopathy and supports the LE diagnosis, but it is not pathognomonic for the condition. Absence of Doppler activity in a patient with suspected LE should raise suspicion of other diagnoses. Identification of a bone spur is of very limited clinical value given the high prevalence in the general population. The important outcomes of pain, disability, PRTEE, and disease duration did not correlate with any of the investigated US techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thøger P Krogh
- Diagnostic Centre, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Ulrich Fredberg
- Diagnostic Centre, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark.,Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Torkell Ellingsen
- Diagnostic Centre, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark.,Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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Tarabochia M, Janssen SJ, Ogink PT, Ring D, Chen NC. The Prevalence of Calcifications at the Origin of the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis Increases with Age. THE ARCHIVES OF BONE AND JOINT SURGERY 2020; 8:21-26. [PMID: 32090141 DOI: 10.22038/abjs.2019.31558.1823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Enthesopathy of the extensor carpi radialis brevis origin [eECRB] is a common idiopathic, non-inflammatory disease of middle age that is characterized by excess glycosaminoglycan production and frequently associated with radiographic calcification of its origin. The purpose of our study was to assess the relationship of calcification of the ECRB and advancing age. Methods We included 28,563 patients who received an elbow radiograph and assessed the relationship of calcifications of the ECRB identified on radiograph reports with patient age, sex, race, affected side, and ordering indication using multivariable logistic regression. Results Calcifications of the ECRB were independently associated with age (OR:1.04; P<0.001); radiographs ordered for atraumatic pain (OR2.6; P<0.001) or lateral epicondylitis (OR5.5; P<0.001); and Hispanic ethnicity (OR1.5; P<0.001) and less likely to be found at the left side (OR0.68; P<0.001). Similarly, incidental calcifications of the ECRB, those on radiographs not ordered for atraumatic pain or lateral epicondylitis, were independently associated with age (OR1.03; P<0.001) and Hispanic ethnicity (OR1.5; P<0.024) and less likely to be found on the left side (OR0.71; P<0.001). Conclusion We observed that about nine percent of people have ECRB calcification by the time they are in their sixth decade of life and calcifications persist in the absence of symptoms which supports the idea that eECRB is a common, self-limited diagnosis of middle age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Tarabochia
- Hand Service, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, Boston, USA
| | - Stein J Janssen
- Hand Service, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, Boston, USA
| | - Paul T Ogink
- Hand Service, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, Boston, USA
| | - David Ring
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Neal C Chen
- Hand Service, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, Boston, USA
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The effectiveness of Biomechanical Taping Technique on visual analogue scale, static maximum handgrip strength, and Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation of patients with lateral epicondylalgia: A cross-over study. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2019; 23:405-416. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Abstract
High-resolution ultrasonography can help clinicians visualize key anatomic structures of the elbow and guide periarticular and intra-articular injections. Historically, most procedures done around the elbow have been done using landmark guidance, and few studies have reported the accuracy of ultrasonography-guided injections in the elbow region. This article reviews common musculoskeletal disorders about the elbow that can be evaluated with ultrasonography, reviews the literature on ultrasonography-guided injections of the elbow region, and describes the senior author's preferred approach for the most commonly performed elbow region injections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter I Sussman
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Emory University, 1441 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christopher J Williams
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Emory University, 1441 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ken Mautner
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Emory University, 1441 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Seng C, Mohan PC, Koh SBJ, Howe TS, Lim YG, Lee BP, Morrey BF. Ultrasonic Percutaneous Tenotomy for Recalcitrant Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy: Sustainability and Sonographic Progression at 3 Years. Am J Sports Med 2016; 44:504-10. [PMID: 26602153 DOI: 10.1177/0363546515612758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A previously published study found positive outcomes for a novel technique for ultrasound-guided percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy, showing good tolerability, safety, and early efficacy within an office setting. PURPOSE In this follow-up study, all 20 members of the original cohort were contacted after 3 years to explore the sustainability of symptomatic relief, functional improvement, and sonographic soft tissue response for percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy. STUDY DESIGN Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS All 20 subjects of the clinical trial that was performed from June to November 2011 were further assessed at 36 months after the procedure in terms of visual analog scale for pain, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH)-Compulsory/Work scores, need for adjunct procedures, and overall satisfaction. Importantly, all 20 were reassessed with ultrasound imaging at 36 months, and evidence of the common extensor tendon response was assessed in terms of tendon hypervascularity, tendon thickness, and the progress of the hypoechoic scar tissue. RESULTS A 100% clinical follow-up was achieved, inclusive of ultrasonographic assessment. None of the subjects required further treatment procedures, and 100% expressed satisfaction. Previous improvements in visual analog scale (current median ± SD, 0 ± 0.9; range, 0-3) and DASH-Work scores (current median, 0 ± 0) were sustained with conformity to a linear pattern on polynomial measures. There was further reduction in DASH-Compulsory scores to a median of 0 ± 0.644 (range, 0-2) with a significant decrease on repeated measures (P = .008). Tendon hypervascularity was resolved in 94% of patients, and 100% had reduction in tendon thickness. Overall reduction in the hypoechoic scar tissue was observed in all subjects, with a 90% response achieved by 6 months. Between 6 and 36 months, further reduction in the scar was observed in around 60% of patients, with 20% of patients having complete resolution of the hypoechoic scar. CONCLUSION Minimally invasive percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy provided sustained pain relief and functional improvement for recalcitrant tennis elbow at 3-year follow-up. It is one of the few procedures to demonstrate positive sonographic evidence of tissue-healing response and is an attractive alternative to surgical intervention for definitive treatment of recalcitrant elbow tendinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chusheng Seng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - P Chandra Mohan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Tet Sen Howe
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Yee Gen Lim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Brian P Lee
- Orthopaedic Associates Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore
| | - Bernard F Morrey
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy and splinting in lateral epicondylitis; a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Lasers Med Sci 2015; 30:1097-107. [DOI: 10.1007/s10103-015-1716-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Evidence-based treatment of common extensor tendinopathy. CURRENT PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s40141-014-0070-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Valera-Garrido F, Minaya-Muñoz F, Medina-Mirapeix F. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis in chronic lateral epicondylitis: short-term and long-term results. Acupunct Med 2014; 32:446-54. [PMID: 25122629 PMCID: PMC4283658 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2014-010619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) is a novel minimally invasive approach which consists of the application of a galvanic current through an acupuncture needle. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical and ultrasonographic effectiveness of a multimodal programme (PNE, eccentric exercise (EccEx) and stretching) in the short term for patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis, and to determine whether the clinical outcomes achieved decline over time. METHODS A one-way repeated measures study was performed in a clinical setting in 36 patients presenting with lateral epicondylitis. The patients received one session of US-guided PNE per week over 4-6 weeks, associated with a home programme of EccEx and stretching. The main outcome measures were severity of pain, disability (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire), structural tendon changes (US), hypervascularity and patients' perceptions of overall outcome. Measurements at 6, 26 and 52 weeks follow-up included recurrence rates (increase in severity of pain or disability compared with discharge), perception of overall outcome and success rates. RESULTS All outcome measures registered significant improvements between pre-intervention and discharge. Most patients (n=30, 83.3%) rated the overall outcome as 'successful' at 6 weeks. The ultrasonographic findings showed that the hypoechoic regions and hypervascularity of the extensor carpi radialis brevis changed significantly. At 26 and 52 weeks, all participants (n=32) perceived a 'successful' outcome. Recurrence rates were null after discharge and at follow-up at 6, 26 and 52 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Symptoms and degenerative structural changes of chronic lateral epicondylitis are reduced after US-guided PNE associated with EccEx and stretching, with encouragingly low recurrences in the mid to long term. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02085928.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fermín Valera-Garrido
- MVClinic, Madrid, Spain
- Fremap Hospital, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, San Pablo CEU University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Minaya-Muñoz
- MVClinic, Madrid, Spain
- Fremap Hospital, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, San Pablo CEU University, Madrid, Spain
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Dones VC, Grimmer K, Thoirs K, Suarez CG, Luker J. The diagnostic validity of musculoskeletal ultrasound in lateral epicondylalgia: a systematic review. BMC Med Imaging 2014; 14:10. [PMID: 24589069 PMCID: PMC4015882 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2342-14-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ultrasound is considered a reliable, widely available, non-invasive and inexpensive imaging technique for assessing soft tissue involvement in Lateral epicondylalgia. Despite the number of diagnostic studies for Lateral Epicondylalgia, there is no consensus in the current literature on the best abnormal ultrasound findings that confirm lateral epicondylalgia. Methods Eligible studies identified by searching electronic databases, scanning reference lists of articles and chapters on ultrasound in reference books, and consultation of experts in sonography. Three reviewers (VCDIII, KP, KW) independently searched the databases using the agreed search strategy, and independently conducted all stages of article selection. Two reviewers (VCDIII, KP) then screened titles and abstracts to remove obvious irrelevance. Potentially relevant full text publications which met the inclusion criteria were reviewed by the primary investigator (VCDIII) and another reviewer (CGS). Results Among the 15 included diagnostic studies in this review, seven were Level II diagnostic accuracy studies for chronic lateral epicondylalgia based on the National Health and Medical Research Council Hierarchy of Evidence. Based from the pooled sensitivity of abnormal ultrasound findings with homogenous results (p > 0.05), the hypoechogenicity of the common extensor origin has the best combination of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. It is moderately sensitive [Sensitivity: 0.64 (0.56-0.72)] and highly specific [Specificity: 0.82 (0.72-0.90)] in determining elbows with lateral epicondylalgia. Additionally, bone changes on the lateral epicondyle [Sensitivity: 0.56 (0.50-0.62)] were moderately sensitive to chronic LE. Conversely, neovascularity [Specificity: 1.00 (0.97-1.00)], calcifications [Specificity: 0.97 (0.94-0.99)] and cortical irregularities [Specificity: 0.96 (0.88-0.99)] have strong specificity for chronic lateral epicondylalgia. There is insufficient evidence supporting the use of Power Doppler Ultrasonogrophy, Real-time Sonoelastography and sonographic probe-induced tenderness in diagnosing LE. Conclusions The use of Gray-scale Ultrasonography is recommended in objectively diagnosing lateral epicondylalgia. The presence of hypoechogenicity and bone changes indicates presence of a stressed common extensor origin-lateral epicondyle complex in elbows with lateral epicondylalgia. In addition to diagnosis, detection of these abnormal ultrasound findings allows localization of pathologies to tendon or bone that would assist in designing an appropriate treatment suited to patient’s condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin C Dones
- International Centre for Allied Health Evidence, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia.
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Krogh TP, Bartels EM, Ellingsen T, Stengaard-Pedersen K, Buchbinder R, Fredberg U, Bliddal H, Christensen R. Comparative effectiveness of injection therapies in lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Sports Med 2013; 41:1435-46. [PMID: 22972856 DOI: 10.1177/0363546512458237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injection therapy with glucocorticoids has been used since the 1950s as a treatment strategy for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). Lately, several novel injection therapies have become available. PURPOSE To assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of injection therapies in patients with lateral epicondylitis. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS Randomized controlled trials comparing different injection therapies for lateral epicondylitis were included provided they contained data for change in pain intensity (primary outcome). Trials were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Network (random effects) meta-analysis was applied to combine direct and indirect evidence within and across trial data using the final end point reported in the trials, and results for the arm-based network analyses are reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs). RESULTS Seventeen trials (1381 participants; 3 [18%] at low risk of bias) assessing injection with 8 different treatments-glucocorticoid (10 trials), botulinum toxin (4 trials), autologous blood (3 trials), platelet-rich plasma (2 trials), and polidocanol, glycosaminoglycan, prolotherapy, and hyaluronic acid (1 trial each)-were included. Pooled results (SMD [95% confidence interval]) showed that beyond 8 weeks, glucocorticoid injection was no more effective than placebo (-0.04 [-0.45 to 0.35]), but only 1 trial (which did not include a placebo arm) was at low risk of bias. Although botulinum toxin showed marginal benefit (-0.50 [-0.91 to -0.08]), it caused temporary paresis of finger extension, and all trials were at high risk of bias. Both autologous blood (-1.43 [-2.15 to -0.71]) and platelet-rich plasma (-1.13 [-1.77 to -0.49]) were also statistically superior to placebo, but only 1 trial was at low risk of bias. Prolotherapy (-2.71 [-4.60 to -0.82]) and hyaluronic acid (-5.58 [-6.35 to -4.82]) were both more efficacious than placebo, whereas polidocanol (0.39 [-0.42 to 1.20]) and glycosaminoglycan (-0.32 [-1.02 to 0.38]) showed no effect compared with placebo. The criteria for low risk of bias were only met by the prolotherapy and polidocanol trials. CONCLUSION This systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found a paucity of evidence from unbiased trials on which to base treatment recommendations regarding injection therapies for lateral epicondylitis.
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Scott A, Docking S, Vicenzino B, Alfredson H, Murphy RJ, Carr AJ, Zwerver J, Lundgreen K, Finlay O, Pollock N, Cook JL, Fearon A, Purdam CR, Hoens A, Rees JD, Goetz TJ, Danielson P. Sports and exercise-related tendinopathies: a review of selected topical issues by participants of the second International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium (ISTS) Vancouver 2012. Br J Sports Med 2013; 47:536-44. [PMID: 23584762 PMCID: PMC3664390 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2013-092329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In September 2010, the first International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium (ISTS) was held in Umeå, Sweden, to establish a forum for original scientific and clinical insights in this growing field of clinical research and practice. The second ISTS was organised by the same group and held in Vancouver, Canada, in September 2012. This symposium was preceded by a round-table meeting in which the participants engaged in focused discussions, resulting in the following overview of tendinopathy clinical and research issues. This paper is a narrative review and summary developed during and after the second ISTS. The document is designed to highlight some key issues raised at ISTS 2012, and to integrate them into a shared conceptual framework. It should be considered an update and a signposting document rather than a comprehensive review. The document is developed for use by physiotherapists, physicians, athletic trainers, massage therapists and other health professionals as well as team coaches and strength/conditioning managers involved in care of sportspeople or workers with tendinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Scott
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Ustuner E, Toprak U, Baskan B, Oztuna D. Sonographic examination of the common extensor tendon of the forearm at three different locations in the normal asymptomatic population. Surg Radiol Anat 2013; 35:547-52. [DOI: 10.1007/s00276-013-1084-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Natural course in tennis elbow--lateral epicondylitis after all? Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2012; 20:2549-52. [PMID: 22434158 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-012-1939-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2011] [Accepted: 02/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Tennis elbow is a common and difficult-to-treat condition largely because of lack of evidence. The natural history is unknown, but the condition is described as self-limiting. The objective of this case report is to describe the natural course of two control participants (pain free), who later developed tennis elbow, patient history, clinical findings, and ultrasound and colour Doppler examination before, during and after a period of tennis elbow.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Overuse and traumatic injuries of the elbow are common, occurring in both athletes and nonathletes. This article will discuss the commonly encountered soft-tissue and osseous pathologic abnormalities around the elbow and their imaging appearance on MRI and ultrasound. CONCLUSION The current treatment of tendon disease of the elbow is reviewed, with a focus on platelet-rich plasma injection.
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Dumais R, Benoit C, Dumais A, Babin L, Bordage R, de Arcos C, Allard J, Bélanger M. Effect of regenerative injection therapy on function and pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized crossover study. PAIN MEDICINE 2012; 13:990-9. [PMID: 22759069 DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2012.01422.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We assessed the effectiveness of regenerative injection therapy (RIT) to relieve pain and restore function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN Crossover study where participants were randomly assigned to receive exercise therapy for 32 weeks in combination with RIT on weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 or RIT on weeks 20, 24, 28, and 32. PATIENTS Thirty-six patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis. INTERVENTIONS RIT, which is made up of injections of 1 cc of 15% dextrose 0.6% lidocaine in the collateral ligaments and a 5 cc injection of 20% dextrose 0.5% lidocaine inside the knee joint. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index of severity of osteoarthrosis symptoms (WOMAC) score (range: 0-96). RESULTS Following 16 weeks of follow-up, the participants assigned to RIT presented a significant reduction of their osteoarthritis symptoms (mean ± standard deviation: -21.8 ± 12.5, P < 0.001). WOMAC scores in this group did not change further during the last 16 weeks of follow-up, when the participants received exercise therapy only (-1.2 ± 10.7, P = 0.65). WOMAC scores in the first 16 weeks did not change significantly among the participants receiving exercise therapy only during this period (-6.1±13.9, P=0.11). There was a significant decrease in this groups' WOMAC scores during the last 16 weeks when the participants received RIT (-9.3±11.4, P=0.006). After 36 weeks, WOMAC scores improved in both groups by 47.3% and 36.2%. The improvement attributable to RIT alone corresponds to a 11.9-point (or 29.5%) decrease in WOMAC scores. CONCLUSIONS The use of RIT is associated with a marked reduction in symptoms, which was sustained for over 24 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Dumais
- Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont Regional Hospital, Vitalité Health Network, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.
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Physical therapy, corticosteroid injection, and extracorporeal shock wave treatment in lateral epicondylitis. Clin Rheumatol 2012; 31:807-12. [DOI: 10.1007/s10067-012-1939-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Revised: 08/16/2011] [Accepted: 01/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Reliability of sonographic assessment of tendinopathy in tennis elbow. Skeletal Radiol 2012; 41:83-9. [PMID: 21384199 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-011-1132-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2010] [Revised: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 02/13/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the reliability and compute the minimum detectable change using sonographic scales to quantify the extent of pathology and hyperaemia in the common extensor tendon in people with tennis elbow. MATERIALS AND METHODS The lateral elbows of 19 people with tennis elbow were assessed sonographically twice, 1-2 weeks apart. Greyscale and power Doppler images were recorded for subsequent rating of abnormalities. Tendon thickening, hypoechogenicity, fibrillar disruption and calcification were each rated on four-point scales, and scores were summed to provide an overall rating of structural abnormality; hyperaemia was scored on a five point scale. Inter-rater reliability was established using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to compare scores assigned independently to the same set of images by a radiologist and a physiotherapist with training in musculoskeletal imaging. Test-retest reliability was assessed by comparing scores assigned by the physiotherapist to images recorded at the two sessions. The minimum detectable change (MDC) was calculated from the test-retest reliability data. RESULTS ICC values for inter-rater reliability ranged from 0.35 (95% CI: 0.05, 0.60) for fibrillar disruption to 0.77 (0.55, 0.88) for overall greyscale score, and 0.89 (0.79, 0.95) for hyperaemia. Test-retest reliability ranged from 0.70 (0.48, 0.84) for tendon thickening to 0.82 (0.66, 0.90) for overall greyscale score and 0.86 (0.73, 0.93) for calcification. The MDC for the greyscale total score was 2.0/12 and for the hyperaemia score was 1.1/5. CONCLUSION The sonographic scoring system used in this study may be used reliably to quantify tendon abnormalities and change over time. A relatively inexperienced imager can conduct the assessment and use the rating scales reliably.
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Nilsson P, Baigi A, Swärd L, Möller M, Månsson J. Lateral epicondylalgia: a structured programme better than corticosteroids and NSAID. Scand J Occup Ther 2011; 19:404-10. [PMID: 22050362 DOI: 10.3109/11038128.2011.620983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pia Nilsson
- Tandemkliniken, Tvååker Primary Health Care Centre, Varberg, Sweden.
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Bibliography Current World Literature. CURRENT ORTHOPAEDIC PRACTICE 2011. [DOI: 10.1097/bco.0b013e318239a4eb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Lui PPY, Maffulli N, Rolf C, Smith RKW. What are the validated animal models for tendinopathy? Scand J Med Sci Sports 2011; 21:3-17. [PMID: 20673247 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2010.01164.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chronic tendinopathy refers to a broad spectrum of pathological conditions in tendons and their insertion, with symptoms including activity-related chronic pain. To study the pathogenesis and management strategies of chronic tendinopathy, studies in animal models are essential. The different animal models in the literature present advantages and limitations, and there is no consensus regarding the criteria of a universal tendinopathy animal model. Based on the review of literature and the discussion in the International Symposium on Ligaments and Tendons-X, we concluded that established clinical, histopathological and functional characteristics of human tendinopathy were all important and relevant criteria to be met, if possible, by animal models. As tendinopathy is a progressive, multifactorial tendon disorder affecting different anatomical structures, it may not be realistic to expect a single animal model to study all aspects of tendinopathy. Staging of tendinopathy over time and clearer definition of tendinopathies in relation to severity and type would enable realistic targets with any animal model. The existing animal models can be used for answering specific questions (horses for courses) but should not be used to conclude the general aspects of tendinopathy neither in animals nor in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- P P Y Lui
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to detail the biology of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), critically review the existing literature, and discuss future research applications needed to adopt PRP as a mainstay treatment method for common musculoskeletal injuries. CONCLUSION Any promising minimally invasive therapy such as PRP deserves further investigation to avoid surgery. Diagnostic imaging outcome assessments, including ultrasound-guided needle precision, should be included in future investigations.
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Jaén-Díaz JI, Cerezo-López E, López-de Castro F, Mata-Castrillo M, Barceló-Galíndez JP, De la Fuente J, Balius-Mata R. Sonographic findings for the common extensor tendon of the elbow in the general population. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2010; 29:1717-1724. [PMID: 21098843 DOI: 10.7863/jum.2010.29.12.1717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe structural characteristics and sonographic alterations of the common extensor tendon (CET). METHODS In 240 patients, we determined the body mass index; sonographic CET thickness, morphologic characteristics, and alterations; and color Doppler measurements of the epicondylar artery width and peak systolic velocity. Age, sex, epicondylalgia history, activities (work, sports, and hobbies), and dominant and nondominant elbows were noted. RESULTS The CET was thicker in the dominant elbow (4.77 versus 4.61 mm [P = .023]), male patients (dominant, 5.09 versus 4.46 mm [P < .001]; nondominant, 5.00 versus 4.21 mm [P < .001]), patients involved in risk activities (dominant, 5.21 versus 4.70 mm [P < .001]; nondominant, 5.12 versus 4.53 mm [P < .001]), and those with a history of epicondylalgia (right, 5.27 versus 4.70 mm [P < .001]; left, 4.86 versus 4.60 mm [P = .316]). Thickness correlated weakly with age (dominant, r = 0.284; nondominant, r = 0.215) and moderately with weight (dominant, r = 0.492; nondominant, r = 0.502). The mean epicondylar artery diameter was 1.35 mm (SD, 0.96 mm); mean peak velocity, 13.01 cm/s (SD, 4.90 cm/s). Morphologic abnormalities were found in 79.5% of patients with a history of epicondylalgia; 7.7% with no history had abnormalities; and 55.9% with abnormalities but no history were older than 55 years. Bone spurs (49.2% versus 16.4% [P < .001]), tendon calcifications (21.5% versus 3.9% [P < .001]), and bone cortex abnormalities (12.3% versus 1.7% [P < .001]) were found more often in non-normal elbows; 79.4% of bone spurs in normal elbows occurred in patients older than 55 years. CONCLUSIONS Mild sonographic alterations in the CET and bone spurs should be considered with caution when assessing epicondylar pain, especially in patients older than 55 years and those with a history of epicondylalgia.
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Adams MA, Stefanakis M, Dolan P. Healing of a painful intervertebral disc should not be confused with reversing disc degeneration: implications for physical therapies for discogenic back pain. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2010; 25:961-71. [PMID: 20739107 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2010.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2010] [Revised: 07/23/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Much is known about intervertebral disc degeneration, but little effort has been made to relate this information to the clinical problem of discogenic back pain, and how it might be treated. METHODS We re-interpret the scientific literature in order to provide a rationale for physical therapy treatments for discogenic back pain. INTERPRETATION Intervertebral discs deteriorate over many years, from the nucleus outwards, to an extent that is influenced by genetic inheritance and metabolite transport. Age-related deterioration can be accelerated by physical disruption, which leads to disc "degeneration" or prolapse. Degeneration most often affects the lower lumbar discs, which are loaded most severely, and it is often painful because nerves in the peripheral anulus or vertebral endplate can be sensitised by inflammatory-like changes arising from contact with blood or displaced nucleus pulposus. Surgically-removed human discs show an active inflammatory process proceeding from the outside-in, and animal studies confirm that effective healing occurs only in the outer anulus and endplate, where cell density and metabolite transport are greatest. Healing of the disc periphery has the potential to relieve discogenic pain, by re-establishing a physical barrier between nucleus pulposus and nerves, and reducing inflammation. CONCLUSION Physical therapies should aim to promote healing in the disc periphery, by stimulating cells, boosting metabolite transport, and preventing adhesions and re-injury. Such an approach has the potential to accelerate pain relief in the disc periphery, even if it fails to reverse age-related degenerative changes in the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Adams
- Centre for Comparative and Clinical Anatomy, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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Maffulli N, Longo UG, Loppini M, Spiezia F, Denaro V. New options in the management of tendinopathy. Open Access J Sports Med 2010; 1:29-37. [PMID: 24198540 PMCID: PMC3781852 DOI: 10.2147/oajsm.s7751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Tendon injuries can be acute or chronic, and caused by intrinsic or extrinsic factors, either alone or in combination. Tendinopathies are a common cause of disability in occupational medicine and account for a substantial proportion of overuse injuries in sports. Tendinopathy is essentially a failed healing response, with haphazard proliferation of tenocytes, abnormalities in tenocytes, with disruption of collagen fibres and subsequent increase in noncollagenous matrix. The scientific evidence base for managing tendinopathies is limited. What may appear clinically as an "acute tendinopathy" is actually a well advanced failure of a chronic healing response in which there is neither histologic nor biochemical evidence of inflammation. In this review we report the new options for the management of tendinopathy, including eccentric exercises, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, injections (intratendinous injections of corticosteroids, aprotinin, polidocanol platelet-rich plasma, autologous blood injection, high-volume injections) and surgery. Open surgery aims to excise fibrotic adhesions, remove areas of failed healing and make multiple longitudinal incisions in the tendon to detect intratendinous lesions, and to restore vascularity and possibly stimulate the remaining viable cells to initiate cell matrix response and healing. New surgical techniques aim to disrupt the abnormal neoinnervation to interfere with the pain sensation caused by tendinopathy. These procedures are intrinsically different from the classical ones in present use, because they do not attempt to address directly the pathologic lesion, but act only to denervate them. They include endoscopy, electrocoagulation, and minimally invasive stripping. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to clarify better the best therapeutic options for the management of tendinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Maffulli
- Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Mile end Hospital, London, England
| | - Umile Giuseppe Longo
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Biomedico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Loppini
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Biomedico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Spiezia
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Biomedico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Denaro
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Biomedico University, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Prolotherapy is an injection-based complementary and alternative medical therapy for chronic musculoskeletal pain. Prolotherapy techniques and injected solutions vary by condition, clinical severity, and practitioner preferences; over several treatment sessions, a fairly small volume of an irritant or sclerosing solution is injected at sites on painful ligament and tendon insertions and in adjacent joint space during several treatment sessions. Prolotherapy is becoming increasingly popular in the United States and internationally and is actively used in clinical practice. Prolotherapy has been assessed as a treatment for various painful chronic musculoskeletal conditions that are refractory to "standard of care" therapies. Although anecdotal clinical success guides the use of prolotherapy for many conditions, clinical trial literature supporting evidence-based decision-making for the use of prolotherapy exists for low back pain, several tendinopathies, and osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rabago
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 777 South Mills Street, Madison, WI 53715, USA.
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Rabago D, Best TM, Zgierska AE, Zeisig E, Ryan M, Crane D. A systematic review of four injection therapies for lateral epicondylosis: prolotherapy, polidocanol, whole blood and platelet-rich plasma. Br J Sports Med 2009; 43:471-81. [PMID: 19028733 PMCID: PMC2755040 DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2008.052761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To appraise existing evidence for prolotherapy, polidocanol, autologous whole blood and platelet-rich plasma injection therapies for lateral epicondylosis (LE). DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Allied and Complementary Medicine. SEARCH STRATEGY names and descriptors of the therapies and LE. STUDY SELECTION All human studies assessing the four therapies for LE. MAIN RESULTS Results of five prospective case series and four controlled trials (three prolotherapy, two polidocanol, three autologous whole blood and one platelet-rich plasma) suggest each of the four therapies is effective for LE. In follow-up periods ranging from 9 to 108 weeks, studies reported sustained, statistically significant (p<0.05) improvement in visual analogue scale primary outcome pain score measures and disease-specific questionnaires; relative effect sizes ranged from 51% to 94%; Cohen's d ranged from 0.68 to 6.68. Secondary outcomes also improved, including biomechanical elbow function assessment (polidocanol and prolotherapy), presence of abnormalities and increased vascularity on ultrasound (autologous whole blood and polidocanol). Subjects reported satisfaction with therapies on single-item assessments. All studies were limited by small sample size. CONCLUSIONS There is strong pilot-level evidence supporting the use of prolotherapy, polidocanol, autologous whole blood and platelet-rich plasma injections in the treatment of LE. Rigorous studies of sufficient sample size, assessing these injection therapies using validated clinical, radiological and biomechanical measures, and tissue injury/healing-responsive biomarkers, are needed to determine long-term effectiveness and safety, and whether these techniques can play a definitive role in the management of LE and other tendinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Rabago
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Family Medicine, 777 S. Mills St, Madison WI 53715, USA.
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