Immediate effects of 2 types of braces on pain and grip strength in people with lateral epicondylalgia: a randomized controlled trial

Immediate effects of elbow orthoses on elbow proprioception in asymptomatic individuals: A randomized sham-controlled single-blinded study

BACKGROUND

Improving proprioception can reduce the risk of injuries, while its disruption may lead to injuries and recurrent or persistent symptoms.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of elbow orthoses on elbow proprioception in asymptomatic individuals.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a randomized, controlled, single-blinded study with a sham application.

METHODS

Sixty participants were equally distributed into three orthosis groups (counterforce, sleeve, and sham). Proprioception was assessed using active joint position sense error (JPSE) at 70° and 110° of elbow flexion at three time points: baseline (BS), immediately after (IA) wearing the orthosis, and 30 minutes after (30MA) wearing the orthosis.

RESULTS

Between groups: No significant difference in JPSE was observed at 70° (p = 0.095); however, there was a significant difference at 110° (p = 0.005). Between time points: At 70°, JPSE did not exhibit a significant difference (p = 0.055), whereas a significant difference was observed at 110° (p = 0.020). Interaction of time points×groups: No significant interaction was observed either at 70° (p = 0.476) or at 110° (p = 0.346). At 70°, within the sleeve group, significant differences were identified between BS-30MA (p = 0.001) and IA-30MA (p = 0.009). At 110°, in the sleeve group, significant differences were observed between BS-30MA (p = 0.007) and IA-30MA (p = 0.007). In the counterforce group, significant differences were identified between BS-30MA time points (p = 0.001). At 70°, no difference was observed within the overall evaluation in the counterforce group (p > 0.05), whereas at 110°, a significant difference was noted (p = 0.026). At both 70° and 110°, no differences were identified within the overall evaluation in the sleeve and sham groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In asymptomatic individuals, sleeve orthosis improved elbow proprioception at 70°, whereas both counterforce and sleeve orthoses were effective at 110°.

Comparison of two different orthoses used in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis

BACKGROUND

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is one of the most common causes of lateral elbow pain, and orthoses are often used in its conservative treatment. However, the number of studies examining the effectiveness of the orthoses used and their differences compared to each other is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of 2 orthoses types, wrist orthosis (WO) and counterforce brace (CB), commonly used in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis on muscle activation, grip strength, hand function, and satisfaction level in healthy individuals.

STUDY DESIGN

Quasi-experimental study.

METHODS

Thirty-seven healthy individuals were recruited. Muscle activation was evaluated by surface electromyography, and maximum grip strength was evaluated with a handheld dynamometer. Hand function and satisfaction level were evaluated with Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test and Orthotics and Prosthetics Users Survey, respectively. All evaluations were conducted for each individual in 3 conditions (no orthosis, WO, and CB).

RESULTS

Extensor carpi radialis (ECR) muscle activation was greater when using CB compared with that when without orthosis (p = 0.036). There was no significant difference in extensor digitorum communis (EDC) muscle activation and maximum grip strength among the conditions (p > 0.05). Hand function was worse when using the WO compared with the other conditions (p < 0.001). In terms of orthosis satisfaction, individuals were found to be significantly more satisfied with the use of CB (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study highlight the use of CB in terms of EDC muscle activity, grip strength, hand function, and satisfaction, while the use of WO is prominent in terms of keeping extensor carpi radialis muscle activity low, which has been shown to be important for LE. To obtain definitive results on the effectiveness of different orthoses in the treatment of LE, more research is needed to compare the muscular activation in the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and EDC muscles with objective methods.

Immediate effects of counterforce brace with and without vibration on pain, muscle strength and range of motion in participants with lateral epicondylitis. A pilot study

Lateral epicondylitis is one of the most common elbow problems. Counterforce braces are commonly used to manage lateral epicondylitis. Recent studies showed that vibration can decrease pain and increase muscle strength by improving motor abilities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a counterforce brace with and without vibration on pain, muscular strength, wrist and elbow joints range of motion in the participants with lateral epicondylitis. In this repeated measure pre-post clinical trial study, 28 participants with lateral epicondylitis were included. Pain were measured with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), wrist and elbow flexor/extensor muscles strength with digital dynamometer, wrist and elbow flexion/extension range of motion with goniometer in 3 condition baseline, counterforce brace and counterforce brace with vibration. Pain using counterforce bracing with vibration showed a significant reduction as compared with baseline and counterforce bracing (P < 0.001). Wrist flexor muscles strength (P = 0.005), elbow flexor/extensor muscles strength respectively (P = 0.04, P = 0.02), wrist flexion/extension range of motion (P < 0.001) following the use of counterforce bracing with vibration increased significantly compared with baseline. The results show that the counterforce bracing with and without vibration relieves pain and improves range of motion and muscles strength in lateral epicondylitis participants, but this improvement is more significant with the use of vibration.

Effects of multidirectional elastic tape on pain and function in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy: A randomised crossover trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of multidirectional elastic tape on pain and function in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomised crossover trial.

SETTING

Biomechanics laboratory.

SUBJECTS

27 participants (11 females, mean (SD) age: 48.6 (11.9) years) with clinically diagnosed lateral elbow tendinopathy of at least six weeks' duration.

INTERVENTIONS

Tensioned multidirectional elastic tape applied over the wrist, compared to control tape (untensioned), and no tape conditions.

MAIN MEASURES

Pain-free grip strength and pressure pain threshold were recorded at three timepoints for each condition: baseline, post-application, and following an exercise circuit. Change scores were calculated as the post-application or post-exercise value minus baseline. Repeated-measure analyses of variance were used to examine differences between conditions.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in pain-free grip strength between conditions (flexed position: F_2,52 = 0.02, p = 0.98; extended position: F_2,52 = 2.26, p = 0.12) or across timepoints (post-application vs post-exercise) (flexed position: F_1,26 = 0.94, p = 0.34; extended position: F_1,26 = 0.79, p = 0.38). Seven participants (26%) increased pain-free grip strength above the minimal detectable change following application of multidirectional elastic tape. There were no statistically significant differences in pressure pain threshold between conditions (affected lateral epicondyle: F_1.51,39.17 = 0.54, p = 0.54) or across timepoints (affected lateral epicondyle: F_1,26 = 0.94, p = 0.34).

CONCLUSION

Tensioned multidirectional elastic tape may not immediately improve pain-free grip strength or pressure pain threshold in our lateral elbow tendinopathy population; however, individual variation may exist.

Effects of multidirectional elastic tape on forearm muscle activity and wrist extension during submaximal gripping in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy: A randomised crossover trial

BACKGROUND

Lateral elbow tendinopathy is associated with changes to forearm muscle activity and wrist posture during gripping. Multidirectional elastic tape is thought to exert a deloading effect on underlying musculotendinous structures, which could potentially alter muscle activity or wrist posture.

METHODS

This single-blinded randomised crossover trial compared the immediate effects of tensioned multidirectional elastic tape, untensioned control tape, and no tape, in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy. Muscle activity of extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis, extensor carpi ulnaris, and extensor digitorum and wrist extension angle were recorded during a submaximal gripping task. Muscle activity was normalised to the maximum amplitude recorded during maximal grip. Change scores were calculated (post-condition minus baseline). Repeated-measure analyses of variance were used to examine between-condition differences.

FINDINGS

27 participants (16 males, mean age (SD): 48.6 (11.9) years) underwent all conditions. Extensor digitorum muscle activity was reduced during the multidirectional elastic tape, compared to control tape and no tape (MD -5.6% [95%CI: -9.9 to -1.3], MD -5.8% [95%CI: -10.2 to -1.4], respectively). Extensor carpi ulnaris muscle activity was reduced during the multidirectional elastic tape, compared to the control tape (mean difference [MD] -3.2% [95%CI: -5.3 to -1.1]), but increased during the control tape, compared to the no tape (MD 2.9% [95%CI: 0.8 to 5.0]). No differences were observed in extensor carpi radialis brevis or longus muscle activity, or extension wrist angle between conditions.

INTERPRETATION

A decreased in extensor carpi ulnaris and extensor digitorum muscle activity during multidirectional elastic tape may be evidence of a deloading effect during submaximal gripping.

The use of platelet-rich plasma therapy in treating tennis elbow: A critical review of randomised control trials

Tennis elbow (TE) is a painful and debilitating condition of the elbow. Recently, the use of orthobiologics, such as platelet-rich-plasma (PRP), has been proposed to promote tendon regeneration. Despite their popularity, there is a paucity of updated reviews on the use of PRP compared with other treatment modalities for treating TE. The aim of this review is to summarise high quality studies that compare the use of PRP therapy with other therapies for TE and to identify areas where further research is warranted. This systematic review was performed in accordance to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases was undertaken in May 2021. Articles were screened for the following criteria: randomised control trials (RCTs) involving PRP in at least one of the treatment arms for tennis elbow. The quality of the RCTs included were analysed for their risk of bias using the modified Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for randomised trials. A total of 20 RCTs of which 1520 TE patients were analysed. The RCTs included in this review compared PRP with various treatment modalities routinely used in clinical practice such as physiotherapy, steroid injections, Autologous Whole Blood (AWB) and surgical interventions. With regards to the quality of RCTs, collectively, selection bias was found to be low risk however, performance bias in terms of blinding of participants and personnel performed poorly. Of the 20 RCTs, only 5 studies were classified as low risk of bias. In these 5 studies, 2 RCTs compared PRP with steroids and reported contrasting results, 1 RCT compared PRP with AWB injections which reported both to be similarly efficacious, 3 RCTs included a placebo group and only 1 reported superior effects with PRP. There are 2 main types of PRP classified according to the number of pro-inflammatory leukocyte i.e. leukocyte-rich and leukocyte-poor PRP. However, only 8 studies documented the formulation of PRP used. While the heterogeneity of PRP formulations could in-part explain the reported differences in outcomes, overall there is limited robust evidence to recommend PRP therapy for TE. Further research is required to establish the optimal formulation and administration of PRP injections. Proper documentation of TE patients need to be standardised before concrete recommendations on the use of PRP therapy may be offered.

Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) clinical practice guidelines on the management of lateral epicondylitis of the humerus - Secondary publication

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.

Lateral epicondylitis: New trends and challenges in treatment

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a chronic aseptic inflammatory condition caused by repetitive microtrauma and excessive overload of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle. This is the most common cause of musculoskeletal pain syndrome in the elbow, inducing significant pain and limitation of the function of the upper limb. It affects approximately 1-3% of the population and is frequently seen in racquet sports and sports associated with functional overload of the elbow, such as tennis, squash, gymnastics, acrobatics, fitness, and weight lifting. Typewriters, artists, musicians, electricians, mechanics, and other professions requiring frequent repetitive movements in the elbow and wrists are also affected. LE is a leading causation for absence from work and lower sport results in athletes. The treatment includes a variety of conservative measures, but if those fail, surgery is indicated. This review summarizes the knowledge about this disease, focusing on risk factors, expected course, prognosis, and conservative and surgical treatment approaches.

Pain-free grip strength in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy: Between- and within-session reliability of one versus three trials

BACKGROUND

Pain-free grip strength is an important outcome measure in lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET); yet, the reliability and minimum detectable change (MDC) in functional positions are unknown.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to examine the between- and within-session pain-free grip strength reliability and MDC in LET.

METHODS

Twenty-three individuals with LET completed three pain-free grip strength trials with the elbow flexed and extended. The first trial and the mean of three trials were analyzed. Between-session data were collected 2-28 days apart. Within-session data were collected 20-30 min apart.

RESULTS

Between-session intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were good (ICC_2,1 = 0.75) for single trials (flexed), excellent (ICC_2,1 = 0.89-0.94) for single trials (extended), and excellent for the mean of three trials (both positions). Within-session ICCs were excellent for single (ICC_2,1 = 0.89-0.91) and the mean of three trials (ICC_2,3 = 0.96-0.98) in both positions. Between-session flexed MDCs were 133 N (single) versus 90 N (mean) and extended MDCs were 118 N (single) versus 92 N (mean). Within-session flexed MDCs were 79 N (single) versus 52 N (mean) and extended MDCs were 125 N (single) versus 46 N (mean).

CONCLUSIONS

Using the mean of three trials is recommended, and clinicians can be confident of true change if between-session differences are >92 N and within-session differences are >52 N.

Upper limb position affects pain-free grip strength in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pain-free grip (PFG) force is commonly used to monitor treatment outcomes in lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET); however, it is unclear whether changes in forearm and elbow position affect PFG force values. This study aims to examine the effect of elbow/shoulder and forearm position on non-normalised and normalised PFG force in individuals with unilateral LET.

METHODS

A cohort study including 21 subjects with clinically diagnosed unilateral LET (13 females, mean [SD] age 50 [8] years) performed PFG force (symptomatic arm) and maximal grip (asymptomatic arm) tasks using four upper limb positions: (1) shoulder neutral, elbow flexed (90°), forearm pronated; (2) shoulder neutral, elbow flexed (90°), forearm neutral; (3) shoulder flexed (90°), elbow extended, forearm pronated; and (4) shoulder flexed (90°), elbow extended, forearm neutral. PFG force was normalised to the maximal grip of the asymptomatic side. Repeated-measures analyses of variance were used to compare non-normalised and PFG force normalised to maximal grip between positions.

RESULTS

Both non-normalised and normalised PFG forces were greater in position 2 than position 1, position 3 and position 4 (elbow-by-forearm interaction non-normalised p = 0.002, normalised p = 0.004). There were no differences between positions 1, 3 and 4 for either non-normalised or normalised PFG strength.

DISCUSSION

This study shows that PFG force was higher when performed with forearm neutral supination/pronation, elbow flexion and shoulder neutral than other tested positions, and irrespective of whether PFG force was normalised to the maximal grip force of the contralateral limb. This indicates that arm position should be standardised for comparison.

Exercise interventions in lateral elbow tendinopathy have better outcomes than passive interventions, but the effects are small: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 2123 subjects in 30 trials

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of exercise compared with other conservative interventions in the management of lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) on pain and function.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

We used the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool 2 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to assess risk of bias and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology to grade the certainty of evidence. Self-perceived improvement, pain intensity, pain-free grip strength (PFGS) and elbow disability were used as primary outcome measures.

Eligibility criteria

RCTs assessing the effectiveness of exercise alone or as an additive intervention compared with passive interventions, wait-and-see or injections in patients with LET.

Results

30 RCTs (2123 participants, 5 comparator interventions) were identified. Exercise outperformed (low certainty) corticosteroid injections in all outcomes at all time points except short-term pain reduction. Clinically significant differences were found in PFGS at short-term (mean difference (MD): 12.15, (95% CI) 1.69 to 22.6), mid-term (MD: 22.45, 95% CI 3.63 to 41.3) and long-term follow-up (MD: 18, 95% CI 11.17 to 24.84). Statistically significant differences (very low certainty) for exercise compared with wait-and-see were found only in self-perceived improvement at short-term, pain reduction and elbow disability at short-term and long-term follow-up. Substantial heterogeneity in descriptions of equipment, load, duration and frequency of exercise programmes were evident.

Conclusions

Low and very low certainty evidence suggests exercise is effective compared with passive interventions with or without invasive treatment in LET, but the effect is small.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018082703.

Shoulder and scapula muscle training plus conventional physiotherapy versus conventional physiotherapy only: a randomized controlled trial of patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have suggested that weakening of shoulder and scapula muscles have been associated with increased pain, and decreased functional abilities in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET).

PURPOSE

To compare the effects of shoulder and scapula muscle training plus conventional physiotherapy with conventional physiotherapy only.

METHODS

A group of 48 patients with LET was randomly allocated into two groups: shoulder and scapula muscle training plus conventional physiotherapy (n = 24), and conventional physiotherapy (n = 24). All patients received 12 sessions of treatment for 4 weeks. Furthermore, both groups were instructed to continue their own exercise program at home until four months after the end of treatment. Pain intensity, grip strength, and functional status were measured preintervention, postintervention, and 4 months after the end of intervention (4-month follow-up).

RESULTS

The shoulder and scapula muscle training plus conventional physiotherapy group showed significantly more reduction in pain and greater improvement in functional status compared with conventional physiotherapy group, but there was no significant difference in pain-free grip strength for two groups.

CONCLUSION

Conventional physiotherapy combined with shoulder and scapula muscle training could be more effective in improving the pain and functional abilities of patients with LET compared with conventional physiotherapy only.

Comparing the efficiency of ultrasound, ketoprofen, and mucopolysaccharide polysulfate phonophoresis in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: A randomized-controlled clinical study

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to compare the efficiency of ultrasound, mucopolysaccharide polysulfate phonophoresis, ketoprofen phonophoresis and exercise combinations in terms of pain, functionality, disability, and strength in patients with lateral epicondylitis (LE).

Patients and methods

This prospective, parallel-group, randomized-controlled clinical study included a total of 60 patients (42 males, 18 females; mean age 38.08 years; range, 21 to 50 years) with LE between April 2016 and October 2017. The patients were equally randomized into four groups based on the time of admission to the outpatient clinic. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), painless weight lifting, the Patient- Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), and Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) were used to measure the outcomes. The measurements were performed at baseline, at the end of 10 daily sessions, and after a six-week follow-up period.

Results

The resting VAS scores in the ketoprofen phonophoresis group and lifted weights in the MPS and ketoprofen phonophoresis groups showed a significant improvement both after 10 days of treatment and at six-week follow-up visits (p<0.001). In the QuickDASH model, there was no significant improvement in the control group after 10 days of treatment (p>0.05); however, a significant improvement was observed after six weeks (p<0.001). Except for these variables, significant improvements were found in all groups for all variables at six-week follow-up (p<0.05). However, improvements were similar in all groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Based on our study results, for LE patients who are unable to adhere to exercise and splint use and are given a physical treatment plan, inclusion of ketoprofen and MPS phonophoresis in the treatment program may yield additional benefits in their daily living activities, functionality, and working life.

Evaluating the immediate effect of forearm and wrist orthoses on pain and function in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Lateral elbow tendinopathy is associated with pain during gripping, with forearm/wrist orthoses prescribed for treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the immediate effects of forearm and/or wrist orthoses on outcome measures of pain and function in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy.

DESIGN

Systematic review METHODS: Four electronic databases were searched to identify randomised controlled trials reporting the immediate effects of forearm and/or wrist orthoses on pain and function in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy. The quality of evidence was rated from high to very low, using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) for the primary outcomes. Where possible, standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to compare post measures between forearm and/or wrist orthoses and control/placebo conditions.

RESULTS

The search revealed 1965 studies, of which, seven randomised crossover trials were included. Using the GRADE approach there was low quality evidence revealing a significant decrease in pain during contraction (SMD range -0.65 to -0.83) with forearm orthoses compared to a control/placebo condition. Low quality evidence revealed improvements in pain-free grip strength with the use of a forearm orthosis (SMD range 0.24-0.38), but not maximal grip strength (SMD range 0.14-0.15). Low quality evidence revealed a static wrist orthosis did not improve pain-free grip strength (SMD -0.08) or maximal grip strength (SMD -0.22).

CONCLUSION

There is low quality evidence that forearm orthoses can immediately reduce pain during contraction and improve pain-free grip strength but not maximal grip strength in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy.

The immediate sensorimotor effects of elbow orthoses in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy: a prospective crossover study

BACKGROUND

Counterforce orthoses are used to manage lateral elbow tendinopathy, and their effectiveness in improving motor function has been documented. Little is known about the impact of bracing on sensory function. The objective of this study was to investigate the immediate effectiveness of 2 counterforce orthoses in improving the sensorimotor abilities of the hand in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy.

METHODS

In this crossover, randomized controlled trial, elbow proprioception, pain severity, pain-free grip strength, and finger dexterity were measured in 50 participants with a diagnosis of lateral elbow tendinopathy. Outcomes were measured in 3 randomized conditions (no brace, forearm band, or elbow sleeve). Data were analyzed using 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance for each outcome measure.

RESULTS

Better scores were observed with the forearm band, as compared with no orthosis, for multiple outcomes including joint position reproduction score at 70° of elbow flexion (P = .006), pain (P < .001), grip strength (P = .01), and dexterity (P < .001). The elbow sleeve yielded better scores than no orthosis for the following outcomes: joint position reproduction score at 110° (P < .001), pain (P < .001), and grip strength (P = .012). No statistically significant difference was found between the orthoses' effects on pain reduction and grip strength (P > .05). The forearm band showed better scores on joint position reproduction at 70° compared with the elbow sleeve (P = .006), whereas the elbow sleeve showed better scores at 110° (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Our results support the mechanisms occurring with the use of either of the described orthotic interventions. Future randomized trials with longer-term outcomes that include sensorimotor mechanisms might enhance our understanding of the comparative effectiveness.

Are Passive Physical Modalities Effective for the Management of Common Soft Tissue Injuries of the Elbow?: A Systematic Review by the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of passive physical modalities for the management of soft tissue injuries of the elbow.

METHODS

We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 1990 to 2015. Studies meeting our selection criteria were eligible for critical appraisal. Random pairs of independent reviewers critically appraised eligible studies using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria. We included studies with a low risk of bias in our best evidence synthesis.

RESULTS

We screened 6618 articles; 21 were eligible for critical appraisal and 9 (reporting on 8 randomized controlled trials) had a low risk of bias. All randomized controlled trials with a low risk of bias focused on lateral epicondylitis. We found that adding transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to primary care does not improve the outcome of patients with lateral epicondylitis. We found inconclusive evidence for the effectiveness of: (1) an elbow brace for managing lateral epicondylitis of variable duration; and (2) shockwave therapy or low-level laser therapy for persistent lateral epicondylitis.

DISCUSSION

Our review suggests that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation provides no added benefit to patients with lateral epicondylitis. The effectiveness of an elbow brace, shockwave therapy, or low-level laser therapy for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis is inconclusive. We found little evidence to inform the use of passive physical modalities for the management of elbow soft tissue injuries.

Temporal divergence of changes in pain and pain-free grip strength after manual acupuncture or electroacupuncture: an experimental study in people with lateral epicondylalgia

Background

The objective of this study was to examine, in individuals with lateral epicondylalgia (LE), the acute time course of acupuncture-induced hypoalgesia and change in pain-free grip strength (PFGS).

Methods

This was an experimental study, conducted at a single research center in Vancouver, BC. Twenty-one participants with unilateral LE lasting more than 6 weeks duration were enrolled. Participants received a single treatment of acupuncture (either electroacupuncture, 10–30 Hz, or manual acupuncture, assigned randomly). The primary outcome measure was pain level (0–10) during tendon loading (while making a fist) immediately after treatment, and over a 72 h follow-up period. Secondary outcome measures included pain-free grip strength (N).

Results

There was a small but statistically significant reduction in participants’ perceived pain level immediately after acupuncture (mean improvement of 1.2, 95% CI 0.45–1.9). This change in pain was not accompanied by a change in PFGS. No difference was observed between the two types of acupuncture at any time point.

Conclusions

The use of acupuncture or electroacupuncture, as administered in the current study, is unlikely to acutely enhance the ability of people with LE to engage in pain-free rehabilitation exercise.

Trial registration Registered February 25, 2015. ISRCTN14667535, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN14667535

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13020-017-0143-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Arthroscopic Debridement Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection: A Prospective, Randomized, Comparative Study of Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis With a Nearly 2-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE

The purpose of this prospective, randomized study was to compare the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and arthroscopic lateral release in treating chronic lateral epicondylitis (LE).

METHODS

Patients who had a clinical diagnosis of LE confirmed by ultrasound (US) were included in this study. A total of 101 patients received arthroscopic release (n = 50) or US-guided PRP injections (n = 51). Outcomes were assessed using a visual analog scale for pain, the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), and a calibrated hand dynamometer for grip strength.

RESULTS

Both patient groups experienced significant improvement in all measures. Between-group comparisons showed a significantly higher value in the PRP group only for grip strength at week 8 (P = .0073); all other significant differences were in favor of arthroscopy: overall pain (P = .0021), night pain (P = .0013), and PRTEE score (P = .0013) at week 104 and grip strength at weeks 24, 52, and 104 (all P < .0001). Consumption of rescue pain medication was not significantly different between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings suggest that (1) PRP injections and arthroscopic extensor carpi radialis brevis release are both effective in the short and medium term; (2) PRP patients experienced a significant worsening of pain at 2 years; (3) arthroscopic release ensured better long-term outcomes in terms of pain relief and grip strength recovery; and (4) both procedures were safe and well accepted by patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative study.

Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy: Development of a Pathophysiology-Based Treatment Algorithm

Lateral elbow tendinopathy, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a condition that can cause significant functional impairment in working-age patients. The term tendinopathy is used to describe chronic overuse tendon disorders encompassing a group of pathologies, a spectrum of disease. This review details the pathophysiology of tendinopathy and tendon healing as an introduction for a system grading the severity of tendinopathy, with each of the 4 grades displaying distinct histopathological features. Currently, there are a large number of nonoperative treatments available for lateral elbow tendinopathy, with little guidance as to when and how to use them. In fact, an appraisal of the clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses studying these treatment modalities reveals that no single treatment reliably achieves outstanding results. This may be due in part to the majority of clinical studies to date including all patients with chronic tendinopathy rather than attempting to categorize patients according to the severity of disease. We relate the pathophysiology of the different grades of tendinopathy to the basic science principles that underpin the mechanisms of action of the nonoperative treatments available to propose a treatment algorithm guiding the management of lateral elbow tendinopathy depending on severity. We believe that this system will be useful both in clinical practice and for the future investigation of the efficacy of treatments.

A Newly Designed Tennis Elbow Orthosis With a Traditional Tennis Elbow Strap in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis

BACKGROUND

Lateral epicondylitis is a common cause of pain and upper limb dysfunction. The use of counterforce straps for treatment of lateral epicondylitis is widespread. This kind of orthosis can be modified to have a greater effect on relieving pain by reducing tension on the origin of the extensor pronator muscles.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the immediate effects of a newly designed orthosis on pain and grip strength in patients with lateral epicondylitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve participants (six men and six women) were recruited (mean age = 41 ± 6.7 years) and evaluated for pain and grip strength in three sessions. A 48-hour break was taken between each session. The first session was without any orthosis, the second session was with the new modified tennis elbow orthosis, and the third session was with a conventional tennis elbow strap.

RESULTS

Both counterforce straps were effective. However, significantly more improvement was observed in pain and grip strength after using the newly modified orthosis (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The newly designed strap reduces pain more effectively and improves grip strength by causing greater localized pressure on two regions with different force applications (two component vectors versus one).

Effect of simultaneous stretching of the wrist and finger extensors for lateral epicondylitis: a gross anatomical study of the tendinous origins of the extensor carpi radialis brevis and extensor digitorum communis

BACKGROUND

Pulling the wrist into flexion with the elbow in extension and forearm in pronation has been used as the stretching technique of wrist extensors for lateral epicondylitis. Simultaneous stretching of the fingers in addition to the wrist flexion has also been applied. However, the mechanism of this simultaneous stretching has not been clarified. This study is designed to clarify the mechanism underlying this simultaneous stretching technique based on the anatomical features of the origins of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and extensor digitorum communis (EDC).

METHODS

Thirty-nine arms from formalin-embalmed Japanese human specimens were dissected. The features of the origins of the ECRB and EDC were macroscopically observed, and the locations of each origin on the lateral epicondyle were measured.

RESULTS

The ECRB had a long and wide, purely tendinous origin which originated from the anterior slope of the lateral epicondyle. The tendinous origin of the index finger of the EDC (EDC-IF) arose from the posterior aspect of the ECRB tendinous origin, with a coexisting muscular portion observed at the level of the proximal forearm. The middle finger of the EDC (EDC-MF) had a short tendinous origin with an associated muscular portion and originated proximo-laterally to the origin of the ECRB on the lateral epicondyle. In addition, the muscular origin of the EDC-MF arose on the superficial and posterior aspect of the ECRB tendinous origin. In contrast, the ring and little fingers of the EDC originated from the tendinous septum of the extensor digiti minimi and extensor carpi ulnaris, and had no connection with the ECRB tendinous origin.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of our anatomical findings, simultaneous stretching of the wrist extensors by wrist, index and middle fingers flexion could provide stretching force to both the tendinous origins of the ECRB and EDC through the EDC-IF and EDC-MF.