Tennis Elbow

Researchers are studying tendinopathy, a common condition causing chronic tendon pain and degeneration, to understand the differences between normal and symptomatic tendon states using Shear Wave Elastography (SWE). This observational study aims to compare the viscoelastic properties of tendons in people with and without symptoms and to evaluate tendon healing after standard treatments. The study includes moderate-to-severe chronic tendinopathy cases lasting more than six months. Participants undergo ultrasound imaging using SWE to examine tendons such as the Achilles, patellar, quadriceps, epicondylar, and rotator cuff. The study includes two groups: asymptomatic volunteers with lower extremity pain but no tendon involvement, and symptomatic volunteers diagnosed with tendinopathy. Some participants may have repeated imaging for up to one year to monitor tendon healing following standard care. During the study, participants will have tendon imaging sessions lasting about 20 minutes each. The research team will measure tendon properties at baseline and track changes in tendon healing over 3, 6, and 12 months. They will also assess functional scores related to Achilles and patellar tendons and foot and ankle disability at multiple timepoints. This detailed follow-up helps understand tendon function and recovery over time.

Researchers are evaluating how people with and without tennis elbow (lateral elbow tendinopathy) experience pressure pain and how their body's natural pain reduction responds after cold exposure. This study focuses on measuring pressure pain threshold (PPT) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) to understand pain sensitivity and its changes, which may help improve future assessments and treatments for musculoskeletal pain conditions. The study is a quasi-experimental reliability and time-course investigation conducted at Hashemite University. Participants complete brief questionnaires including demographic information, a tennis-elbow symptom form, and a physical activity form. They undergo a Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) test using a handheld device that applies increasing pressure to spots near the elbow and wrist. To assess conditioned pain modulation (CPM), one hand is placed in ice water for two minutes while PPT is measured before, during, and after the cold stimulus at set intervals. Testing includes repeated PPT measurements at specific times and a rest period between protocols. Participants attend a single test session for PPT testing, lasting about 30 minutes, and a separate CPM session lasting about 1.5 hours. The study uses standardized procedures, repeated measures, and stored coded data. Researchers measure PPT reliability and the duration of CPM after-effects by tracking how long it takes for pain sensitivity to return to baseline. The study involves healthy adults and patients with confirmed tennis elbow, with safety and data quality emphasized throughout the process.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training as a treatment for lateral elbow epicondylopathy, also known as tennis elbow. This study aims to test whether adding BFR to standard physiotherapy can lead to significant pain relief and improved hand function compared to physiotherapy without BFR. Previous research suggests BFR training may reduce muscle loss and improve strength, but this trial seeks to verify its effects specifically for this elbow condition. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups for six weeks of physiotherapy sessions held twice per week, each lasting about 20 minutes. One group will receive physiotherapy combined with BFR using a cuff inflated to 50% of arterial occlusion pressure, while the control group will receive the same physiotherapy with a sham BFR cuff inflated to 20 mmHg, which does not affect blood flow. Both treatments follow the same exercise protocol, and patients can stop therapy at any time. Throughout the study, clinical examinations and questionnaires will be completed at the start, after six weeks of treatment, and again six and twelve weeks following therapy completion. These assessments will measure pain levels, elbow function, quality of life, strength, and disability related to the arm, shoulder, and hand. The study includes careful monitoring of joint status and symptoms, with no travel or expense compensation provided. The total participation spans approximately three months of follow-up after treatment.

This research aims to compare two surgical techniques for treating iliopsoas tendinopathy caused by impingement between the iliopsoas tendon and the prosthetic cup in patients who have undergone total hip replacement. The study evaluates clinical improvement using the Oxford Hip Score measured at baseline, 2 months, and over 12 months after surgery. It is a randomized, single-blind, comparative trial conducted at a single center. Participants will undergo endoscopic tenotomy surgery of the iliopsoas tendon, performed either at the lesser trochanter or at the acetabular notch. Patients are randomly assigned to one of these two groups by drawing lots. The surgery is carried out under general anesthesia with standardized multimodal pain management, and all other surgical approaches and postoperative care remain consistent between groups. During the study, patients will be assessed with the Oxford Hip Score before surgery, at 2 months, and at more than 12 months after the procedure to measure clinical improvement. The study monitors patient outcomes and recovery following the surgery. Participation involves preoperative consultation, surgery, and follow-up assessments over at least one year to evaluate the treatment effect.

Researchers are comparing the effects of shockwave therapy and eccentric exercises on pain, functional ability, quality of life, grip strength, and range of motion in adults aged 20 to 50 with lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow. This randomized, double-blind trial aims to find which treatment better helps reduce symptoms and improve function for people with this condition. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group A will receive shockwave therapy sessions lasting 5 minutes each, using an energy level of 7.0 mJ and a frequency of 6 Hz. Group B will perform eccentric exercises consisting of 10 repetitions per exercise, 3 sets per session, with a 1-minute rest between sets. Both interventions will be provided over five weeks, with three sessions per week, totaling 15 sessions. Participants will be assessed at the start of the study and after five weeks to measure pain intensity, functional ability, quality of life, grip strength, and range of motion. These evaluations will help determine the effectiveness of each treatment approach. The study is sponsored by Ibadat International University, Islamabad, and participation involves regular treatment sessions and follow-up assessments over the five-week period.

Tennis elbow, a common musculoskeletal condition causing pain at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, is mainly due to overuse of wrist extensor muscles. Treatments vary from oral medications and physiotherapy to injections, with surgery reserved for resistant cases. This research aims to clarify the best approach by comparing physiotherapy combined with three types of injections for pain relief and function improvement in tennis elbow patients. Participants will all receive a structured, class-based physiotherapy program while being randomly assigned to one of three injection groups: a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, a sodium hyaluronate with mannitol (Ostenil Tendon) injection, or a sham injection that penetrates the skin but delivers no therapeutic substance. Injections are administered under ultrasound guidance, and the study is designed as a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Throughout the study, participants will complete questionnaires including pain scales and functional assessments at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months after treatment. They will keep a pain diary during the first 12 weeks and be monitored for medication use and recovery progress. The main outcome is the change in Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score at 12 months, supplemented by other measures of pain, function, and quality of life, all conducted under blinded evaluation.

Lateral epicondylitis is a painful condition affecting the outer part of the elbow, often becoming chronic and resistant to standard treatments. This trial compares two treatments for patients with chronic, treatment-resistant lateral epicondylitis: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) and ultrasound-guided ozone injection. The study aims to evaluate which treatment offers better clinical and structural improvements for patients suffering from this condition. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the ESWT group or the ozone injection group. The ESWT group will receive shock wave therapy once a week for three weeks, with each session delivering 2000 impulses targeted to the affected tendon. The ozone injection group will receive an oxygen-ozone gas mixture injected under ultrasound guidance into the tendon once weekly for three weeks. Both treatments follow their standard protocols. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed at three times: before treatment, immediately after the 3-week treatment period, and at a 4-week follow-up. Researchers will measure pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), function with the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), grip strength with a dynamometer, and tendon changes via high-resolution ultrasound. These assessments help determine treatment effects and monitor safety during the trial period.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of mesotherapy compared to extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in treating patients with lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow. This randomized-controlled, single-blind study includes patients aged 18 to 65 years who have experienced elbow pain for at least six weeks. The study aims to determine whether mesotherapy is as effective as ESWT in relieving pain and improving function in this condition. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group 1 will receive mesotherapy injections consisting of lidocaine, pentoxifylline, thiocolchicoside, and meloxicam delivered intradermally using a fine needle at painful elbow points, with five sessions given once weekly. Group 2 will receive five weekly sessions of ESWT applied to the lateral epicondyle area with specified frequency, energy density, and pulse count. All participants are advised to use resting wrist splints and perform exercises. During the trial, participants will be assessed before treatment, 30 minutes after treatment completion, and again 12 weeks later. Evaluations include pain severity using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), functional impairment via the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation, and quality of life through the SF-12 Health Survey. Additional measurements include pressure-pain threshold and grip strength. Demographic and clinical data will be recorded, and safety and treatment effects will be monitored throughout the study duration.

Researchers are studying combined facial and upper extremity tissue transplants for patients who have not achieved satisfactory function, appearance, or sensation with conventional surgeries or prosthetics. This investigational surgery uses tissue from a non-living donor to restore these areas after severe injury. The study focuses on evaluating outcomes for those with injuries to the face, arm, forearm, and hand who have tried prosthetics when possible. The treatment involves a combined craniomaxillofacial and upper extremity allotransplantation procedure, which is a microvascular transplant of facial and upper limb tissue from a deceased donor. There is only one treatment group, and no placebo or control groups. Participants undergo this transplant surgery and then continue with follow-up evaluations. The study collects data on recovery, function, appearance, and sensation after the procedure. Participants are involved in regular clinical exams, x-rays, blood and tissue tests, and other assessments to monitor transplant function and appearance over time. These assessments occur monthly for the first 6 months, then every 6 months for 2 years, and annually up to 5 years. The study tracks changes in the function and appearance of the transplanted face and upper extremity segments to understand the outcomes and progress after surgery.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of two exercise methods for treating chronic lateral epicondylitis, a condition affecting the elbow. This randomized controlled trial compares eccentric training combined with blood flow restriction therapy (ECC+BFR) to heavy slow resistance (HSR) training. The study will include 40 participants aged 25 to 45 years with chronic unilateral lateral epicondylitis lasting more than 12 months, recruited from two hospitals. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The interventional group will perform eccentric wrist extensor exercises with blood flow restriction using a pneumatic cuff inflated to 50-60% limb occlusion pressure. These exercises are done at 20-30% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) with a specific repetition pattern, three times weekly for 8 weeks. The control group will perform heavy slow resistance training at 70-85% of 1-RM, involving slow concentric and eccentric wrist exercises, matched in frequency and duration to the interventional group. During the study, participants will be assessed at the start, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks for pain intensity using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, functional performance specific to the patient, muscle strength, and muscle size increase. The study uses careful randomization and blinding of outcome assessors to reduce bias. Ethical standards will be followed, with informed consent and privacy protections. The total study duration is 8 weeks of supervised exercise sessions with ongoing safety monitoring.