The research of pulsed ultrasound and extracorporeal shock wave theraphy treatments in lateral epicondylitis

Variable interventions are present for lateral epicondylitis treatment but there is no consensus about which one is the best. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the effectiveness of pulsed ultrasound (US) and extracorporeal shock wave theraphy (ESWT) in lateral epicondylitis treatment. 46 patients (21 female, 25 male) with lateral epicondylitis were enrolled in this study. They were randomized as Pulsed US (n=23 ) and ESWT (n=23 ) groups by closed envelop method. The US therapy 1,5 W/cm² 1 MHz dose for ten sessions with aquasonic gel as conductive agent applied to first group. The second group received 8 Hz, 1.8 bar, 2000 pulses appiled on trigger point and 10 Hz, 1.8 bar, 2000 pulses on forearm muscles for three weeks as a session per week. Both gruops received excersise program. Patiens general pain levels were evaluated by visual anolog scale (VAS). The diagnostic test for as resistive wrist extension, resistive third phalanx extansion and passive wrist flexion tests were performed and pain levels recorded by VAS. Duruoz method (Duruöz's Hand Index:DHI) was used for functional assesment. SF36 was used for assesment of quality of life. Assessments were performed before treatment, immediately after treatment and one month after treatment. All evaluations were performed by physical therapist. As a results of the study, statistically significant improvement in all variables was detected in pulsed US and ESWT patients (p<0,05). There was no statistically significant superiority to each other between both pulsed US and ESWT groups (p>0,05). Pulsed US and ESWT in lateral epicondylitis treatment has positive effects on clinical symptoms. There is no statistically significant difference between Pulsed US and ESWT treatments. As a result of the study, the Pulsed US and ESWT treatments are beneficial treatments for lateral epicondylitis.