Comparison of ultrasound and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in lateral epicondylosis

Özet

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT) and therapeutic ultrasound (US) in the treatment of lateral epicondylosis (LE).Methods: Our study enrolled 50 patients with LE. Patients were randomized into two groups. Group 1underwent therapeutic US (n ¼ 24; 5 males and 15 females; mean age: 43.75 ± 4.52) Group 2 underwentESWT (n ¼ 20; 8 males and 16 females; mean age: 46.04 ± 9.24). Patients were evaluated at baseline,after treatment,and 1 month following treatment. The outcome measures were the visual analog scale(VAS), algometer, grip dynamometer, quick-disability of the arm,shoulder,and hand (QDASH), patientratedtennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) health survey questionnairre.Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in terms of VAS (all p values < 0.0001), dynamometer(p ¼ 0.001 vs p ¼ 0.015), algometer (all p values < 0.0001), PRTEE (all p values < 0.0001),QDASH (all p values < 0.0001), and SF-36 scores (p ¼ 0.001 vs p ¼ 0.005) within time. There was nosignificant difference between the two groups, except algometer scores in favor of ESWT (p ¼ 0.029).Conclusion: ESWT and therapeutic US are equally effective in treating LE. ESWT is an alternative therapeuticintervention and as effective as US.