Evaluation of the efficiency of an ultrasound-supported infiltration technique in patients with tennis elbow applying the ITEC medical device: a multicenter study

TY - JOUR

T1 - Evaluation of the efficiency of an ultrasound-supported infiltration technique in patients with tennis elbow applying the ITEC medical device: a multicenter study

AU - Thiele, Kathi

AU - Unmann, Annemarie

AU - Geyer, Stephanie

AU - Siebenlist, Sebastian

AU - Scheibel, Markus

AU - Seemann, Ricarda

AU - Lerchbaumer, Markus

AU - Schoch, Christian

AU - Mader, Konrad

N1 - © 2023 The Authors.

PY - 2024/3

Y1 - 2024/3

N2 - BACKGROUND: The treatment of lateral epicondylitis remains unsatisfactory in certain cases. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficiency of an ultrasound-guided infiltration combined with fenestration of the extensor tendon postulating a 50% reduction in pain on exertion within 6 months.METHODS: In a prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter study design, 68 patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis and symptoms lasted for at least 6 weeks were included. Each hospital has been assigned for Traumeel (A), autologous whole blood (B), or dextrose (C) in advance. Preinterventional, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 and 12 months after infiltration, patient-related outcome parameter, and dorsal wrist extension strength were documented. Preinterventional (obligate) and after 6 months (optional) radiological evaluation (magnetic resonance imaging) was performed.RESULTS: The Visual Analog Scale showed a significant reduction after 6 months in all groups (A. 4.8-2.5, B. 6.2-2.3, C. 5.8-2.4). Similar results could be observed with Subjective elbow value, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation. The loss of strength could be completely compensated after about 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging did not fully reflect clinical convalescence. Re-infiltrations were sometimes necessary for final reduction of symptoms (A = 11, B = 8, C = 4). Switching to surgical intervention was most frequently observed in group C (A = 2, B = 1, C = 5). In 14.5% of the cases, no improvement of the symptoms could be achieved with this method.CONCLUSION: The primary hypothesis of a significant long-term pain reduction of at least 50% could be achieved regardless of the medication chosen.

AB - BACKGROUND: The treatment of lateral epicondylitis remains unsatisfactory in certain cases. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficiency of an ultrasound-guided infiltration combined with fenestration of the extensor tendon postulating a 50% reduction in pain on exertion within 6 months.METHODS: In a prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter study design, 68 patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis and symptoms lasted for at least 6 weeks were included. Each hospital has been assigned for Traumeel (A), autologous whole blood (B), or dextrose (C) in advance. Preinterventional, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 and 12 months after infiltration, patient-related outcome parameter, and dorsal wrist extension strength were documented. Preinterventional (obligate) and after 6 months (optional) radiological evaluation (magnetic resonance imaging) was performed.RESULTS: The Visual Analog Scale showed a significant reduction after 6 months in all groups (A. 4.8-2.5, B. 6.2-2.3, C. 5.8-2.4). Similar results could be observed with Subjective elbow value, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation. The loss of strength could be completely compensated after about 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging did not fully reflect clinical convalescence. Re-infiltrations were sometimes necessary for final reduction of symptoms (A = 11, B = 8, C = 4). Switching to surgical intervention was most frequently observed in group C (A = 2, B = 1, C = 5). In 14.5% of the cases, no improvement of the symptoms could be achieved with this method.CONCLUSION: The primary hypothesis of a significant long-term pain reduction of at least 50% could be achieved regardless of the medication chosen.

U2 - 10.1016/j.jseint.2023.11.006

DO - 10.1016/j.jseint.2023.11.006

M3 - SCORING: Journal article

C2 - 38464435

VL - 8

SP - 361

EP - 370

JO - JSES international

JF - JSES international

SN - 2666-6383

IS - 2

ER -