Relationship between ultrasound detected tendon abnormalities, and sensory and clinical characteristics in people with chronic lateral epicondylalgia

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205171
• Publication Date: 2018-10-24T18:30:41Z
• Authors: Vijayakumar Palan...; Shu-Kay Ng; Nagarajan Manickaraj; Michael Ryan; Michael Yelland; David Rabago; Leanne Bisset
• Keywords: Tennis elbow; Hand strength; Sensory threshold

Objective To investigate the relationship between tendon structural changes determined by static ultrasound images (US) and sensory using quantitative testing (QST), clinical measures in lateral epicondylalgia. Materials methods Both elbows of 66 adult participants with a diagnosis epicondylalgia were investigated. Using standardised image rating scale, common extensor hypoechogenicity, heterogenicity, neovascularity, bony abnormalities at enthesis scored, thickness (longitudinal transverse plane) was measured trained assessor. Sensory pressure, heat cold pain thresholds vibration detection threshold recorded. Pain function assessed patient-rated tennis elbow (PRTEE), pain-free grip strength, visual analog scale (PVAS) quality life (EuroQoL EQ -5D). Univariate multivariate linear regression analyses used to explore association structural, variables which adjusted for age, gender duration symptoms. Results A negative correlation identified presence neovascularity (P = 0.015). Multiple revealed that combination female 0.044) 0.010) significantly associated affected elbows, while 0.012) total score 0.024) unaffected elbows. Heat disability (PRTEE; P < 0.001), strength 0.001) respectively, Conclusion Generally, weakly correlated. However, may be related system LE.