Demonstrating the relationship of ultrasonographic parameters with disease activity and pain in lateral epicondylitis

Abstract

To evaluate the relationship of ultrasonographic evaluation parameters with pain, muscle strength and disease severity in lateral epicondylitis (LE). 64 people were included in present retrospective, cross-sectional study. Activity and rest pain was questioned with Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Also, Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) and the maximum grip strength were evaluated. Hypoechoic region, neovascularity, cortical irregularity, enthesopathy and peritendinous fluid or bursitis were evaluated by ultrasonography. 48 of the patients were female and 16 were male. Mean age was 48.53 ± 6.12, body mass index was 27.70 ± 4.75. 55 (85.9%) hypoechoic region, 31 (48.4%) neovascularity, 21 (32.8%) cortical irregularity, 19 (29,7%) enthesopathy, and 18 (28.1%) peritendinous fluid or bursitis were detected by ultrasonography. When the ultrasonographic findings and clinical findings of the patients were compared, no significant difference was found between the hypoechoic region, cortical irregularity, enthesopathy and clinical findings (P > .05), while the extension grip strength was found to be significantly lower in patients with neovascularity (P = .045). In addition, patients with peritendinous fluid or bursitis, were found to be significantly lower in both flexion (P = .033) and extension (P = .023) grip strength, while PRTEE function (P = .021) subgroup and total (P = .038) scores were significantly higher. Hypoechoic region, cortical irregularities and enthesopathy were not evaluated to be associated with disease severity, pain and muscle strength. Neovascularity was found to be associated only with extension grip strength. Peritendinous fluid or bursitis was found to be associated with both flexion and extension grip strength and disease activity, but not associated with pain.