RESUMO
To evaluate the effect of dexamethasone iontophoresis in treatment of epicondylitis based on high resolution ultrasonography. This study included 25 patients with epicondylitis and 14 healthy controls. Pain intensity was assessed by visual analogue score [VAS] and by patient global assessment [PGA]. Measuring the maximum grip force of the sound side, maximum grip force [MGF] and pain-free grip force [PFGF] of the affected side, using the hand grip dynamometer, were also assessed. Ultrasonographic assessment was performed for the site of complaint either the common extensor origin [CEO] or the common flexor origin [CFO]. Patients received 6 sessions of 4 mg/ml dexamethasone [DXM] iontophoresis on alternating days over a period of two weeks. After the treatment program, the patients were re-assessed both clinically and by ultrasonography. After treatment with dexamethasone iontophoresis, the decrease in the VAS, PGA as well as the changes in MGF and PFGF of the affected side was statistically significant. Regarding diagnostic US, abnormal findings were detected in 11 patients [44%] at the beginning of the study with no abnormal findings in the control group. High resolution ultrasonography proved to be of 48.5% sensitivity. and 65.7% specificity in diagnosing epicondylitis. The improvement of epicondylitis after iontophoresis treatment, though well evident and proved on clinical reassessment, couldn't be detected except in 3 patients out of the 6 patients reassessed by ultrasonography. Dexamethasone iontophoresis could be considered a simple, easy, safe, effective and non-invasive therapeutic option for epicondylitis. High resolution ultrasonography has a role in diagnosing epicondylitis but has no role in follow up