Comparative study to assess effectiveness of local corticosteroid injection therapy v/s low intensity ultrasound therapy in treating refractory lateral epicondylitis

Abstract

This study compares the effectiveness of local corticosteroid injection therapy and low-intensity ultrasound therapy (LIUST) in treating refractory lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow. A total of 52 patients were divided into two groups, receiving either corticosteroid injections or LIUST. Patients were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) at 2, 6, and 12 weeks post-treatment. Results indicated that while both treatments provided significant improvements, LIUST showed a more sustained benefit in reducing pain and improving function. The study concludes that LIUST is a safer and more effective long-term treatment option compared to corticosteroid injections, which provide quicker but short-lived relief.