Lateral epicondylitis [tennis elbow]: the use of ultrasound in treatment [a double blind study]

ABSTRACT

Of 88 Patients with 92 lateral epicondylitis [4 patients have bilateral condition.], 44 patients [46 conditions] were randomly allocated to receive ultrasound treatment and 44 patients [46 conditions] placebo. 8 patients with 8 conditions treated with ultrasound and 19 patients [21 conditions] treated with placebo were missed on follow-up. All the remaining were given 6 iteaunents each over 2 week. The condition of 28 patients [78%] treated with ultrasound and 7 patients [28%] given placebo improved, the difference being significant the 1% level. Improvement in particular clinical variables [pain score, weight lifting grip strength] also showed an advantage for the patients given ultrasound treatment. Ultrasound enhances recovery in most patients with lateral epicondylitis