Comparison of two ultrasonographic localization techniques for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis with extracorporeal shock wave therapy: a randomized study

Objective: To describe and compare two ultrasonographic localization techniques for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). Design: Forty-one subjects selected through clinical examination were randomly assigned to two groups of treatment. Interventions: Each subject received a three-session ultrasound-guided ESWT (performed weekly). Lateral tangential focusing was used in group A, whereas back tangential focusing was used for group B. Main outcome measures: Total Elbow Scoring System (TESS) and a visual analogue scale WAS) were used to evaluate each subject before the treatment and at six months follow-up. Results: TESS and VAS pretreatment scores were homogeneous between the groups (p > 0.05). In both groups there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the TESS score and a decrease in the VAS score but there was no resolution of the pain. TESS and VAS follow-up scores were homogeneous between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: There was no difference between the two techniques of using ESWT.