Lateral epikondilitli hastalarda splint ve fizik tedavi veya splint tedavilerinin etkinliǧinin karşilaştirilmasi

Lateral epicondylitis is a painful disease caused by excessive use of the hand which is at the origin of the extensor muscle tendons. By different therapeutic modalities it is aimed to decrease pain and increase function. In our randomized controlled study, we aimed to compare the therapeutic modalities of splint only versus combined splint and physical treatment. Twenty-one patients were included and were randomized into two groups in this study who applied to Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation complaining of elbow pain and who were diagnosed as lateral epicondylitis at the end of the physical examinations and diagnostic tests. In the combined therapy group we applied 3 weeks of ultrasound, TENS and whirlpool, lateral epicondylitis splint, exercise and cessation of offending daily activities and in the splint group we applied lateral epicondylitis splint, exercise and cessation of offending daily activities. The patients were evaluated with degree of pain, physical examination, hand and wrist range of motion, gripping force measured with Jamar dynamometer, Roles and Maudsley functional evaluation tests prior to treatment and first and second month control visits. Combined treatment group had progression in all of the gripping force measurements and functional evaluation and pain on Roles Maudsley scale at second month whereas the splint group had progression in painless gripping force with the wrist at extension and pain on Roles Maudsley scale. In conclusion, combination therapy is superior to brace only for short term.