Comparison of Two Different Splints in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis

Summary

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) or tennis elbow; is the most common cause of lateral pain in the elbow, with an incidence of 1-3% in the general population. It is thought to develop as a result of overuse inflammation of the wrist joint extensor tendons, originating from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. The most common symptom is the pain located in the lateral aspect of the elbow, which can spread across the forearm extensor face and is aggravated by wrist extension, forearm supination, and strong grip movements of the hand. The diagnosis is made by clinical and ultrasonographic evaluations. Significant correlations were found between clinical symptoms of LE and increased joint extensor tendon thickness, focal hypoechogenicity, intratendinous calcification, bone abnormality, and diffuse heterogeneity findings that can be monitored by diagnostic ultrasound. Wait-see policy, conservative treatment regimens, local injections, and surgical approaches are the treatment methods that can be used on a patient-based basis until today. Conservative treatment options include physical therapy modalities such as exercise, massage, laser, electrotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, the use of various splints, ice application, activity modification, rest, NSAIDs, and taping methods. The two prominent bracing methods are the lateral epicondylitis band and the wrist extension splint. Although these two methods are frequently used in daily practice, the limitations of studies investigating the effectiveness of orthoses and which orthosis are more effective draw attention. In comparative studies, some factors may affect clinical results such as allowing patients to use NSAIDs when necessary and organizing a home exercise program. Besides, none of them included a control group and the patients were not evaluated by ultrasonography. This study aims to compare the effects of the use of two different splints (lateral epicondylitis band and wrist extension splint) on clinical and ultrasonographic parameters in patients with a diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis.

Conditions

• Lateral Epicondylitis
• Tennis Elbow

Interventions

DEVICE

Lateral Epicondylitis Bandage

The lateral epicondylitis bandage was first used by Ilfeld in 1965, and it is a non-elastic band that prevents the expansion of the muscles in the proximal forearm. A lateral epicondylitis bandage will be given to the patient for 6 weeks. The bandage will be positioned 5 cm distal to the lateral epicondyle to allow for elbow flexion. After the application, patients will be asked to punch and the belt on the band will be tightened. After the patients are asked to open the fist, the suitability of the pressure applied to the forearm will be evaluated. Patients will be asked to repeat this application while wearing the band. The patients will also be asked to use the bandage throughout the day, and to remove them during bathing and sleeping.

DEVICE

Wrist Extension Splint

Wrist extension splint is an upper extremity orthosis that keeps the wrist at 15-20 degrees of extension with the polyethylene bar it contains. A wrist extension splint will be given to the patient for 6 weeks. The splint will be used to keep the wrist at 15-20 degrees of extension and to wrap the distal wrist and forearm without hindering finger movements. The patients will be asked to use the splint throughout the day, and to remove them during bathing and sleeping.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Dokuz Eylul University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Banu Dilek, Assoc Prof · Dokuz Eylul University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2021-02-22

Primary Completion

2022-08-30

Completion

2022-09-06

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations