Ultrasonographic Examination of Other Enthesitis Sites in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis: A Cross-Sectional Study

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to investigate the relationship between genetic factors linked to tendinopathies and lateral epicondylitis (LE), which is a condition involving tendinopathy of the common extensor tendon believed to be caused by overuse. The study will assess the use of the Madrid Sonographic Enthesitis Index (MASEI), an ultrasound scoring system originally developed for ankylosing spondylitis but now applied to other musculoskeletal diseases, to evaluate enthesitis in patients with LE compared to healthy individuals. Participants will be grouped into two: those diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis and healthy volunteers with similar demographic characteristics. The MASEI evaluation involves ultrasound scans at 12 specific tendon insertion sites including the triceps brachii, quadriceps, patellar tendons, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia. The ultrasound examines tendon structure and thickness, calcifications, erosions, bursitis, and power-Doppler signals at these sites. During the study, participants will undergo ultrasound examinations to obtain MASEI scores at enrollment. Researchers will compare these scores between the LE patients and healthy volunteers to understand enthesitis involvement. The study expects to monitor these ultrasound findings as the primary outcome measure and will last until January 2026, involving adults aged 18 to 60 years.

Ultrasonographic Examination of Other Enthesitis Sites in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis