Comparison of Hyaluronate & Steroid Injection in the Treatment of Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis and Evaluation of Treatment Efficacy With MRI: A Single-Blind, Prospective, Randomized Controlled Clinical Study

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Introduction Injection therapy in refractory cases of lateral epicondylitis might relieve symptoms, although no consensus exists on which material to use. Corticosteroids are widely used but recent literature indicated possible tenotoxic effects and inefficacy in mid- and long-term follow-up (FU). Hyaluronate/hyaluronic acid (HA) might be of better clinical efficacy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might reflect the clinical changes in the short-term FU. Methods A single-blind, prospective, randomized controlled study was designed. A total of 80 patients were included. A total of 40 patients received a single triamcinolone injection and 40 received a hyaluronic acid (HA) injection. Follow-up was repeated at six and 12 weeks. The shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire (Q-DASH) score; visual analog scale (VAS) for pain at rest, and hand grip strength were collected. Dynamometer measurements were done at baseline and FU examinations. The MRI images at baseline and 12 weeks FU were evaluated. Results There were significant differences between the groups favoring the triamcinolone group at six weeks. At 12 weeks, no differences existed between the groups in any of the parameters. The MRI grades were nonsignificantly different between baseline and at 12 weeks. Conclusion Both triamcinolone and HA were shown to relieve pain and increase functional outcome

Evidence level

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.