Diagnostic value of ultrasonography for clinical medial epicondylitis

Park G-Y, Lee S-M, Lee MY. Diagnostic value of ultrasonography for clinical medial epicondylitis.

Objectives

To assess the ultrasonographic findings and to evaluate the value of ultrasonography as a diagnostic method for detecting clinical medial epicondylitis.

Design

A prospective, single-blind study.

Setting

An outpatient rehabilitation clinic in a tertiary university hospital.

Participants

Twenty-one elbows from 18 patients with clinical medial epicondylitis and 25 elbows without medial epicondylitis were evaluated.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

The clinical diagnosis of medial epicondylitis was based on the patient’s symptoms and clinical signs in a physical examination performed by a physiatrist. An experienced radiologist made the real-time ultrasonographic diagnosis based on the detection of at least one of the following abnormal findings: a focal hypoechoic or anechoic area, tendon nonvisualization, intratendinous calcifications, and cortical irregularity.

Results

Ultrasonography revealed positive findings in 20 of 21 elbows with medial epicondylitis and was negative in 23 of 25 without medial epicondylitis. Ultrasonography showed sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for clinical medial epicondylitis of 95.2%, 92%, 93.5%, 90.9%, and 95.8%, respectively. Tendinosis was observed in 15 elbows, and a partial-thickness tear, including 1 intrasubstance tear, was detected in 5 elbows. The most common ultrasonographic abnormality was a focal echogenic abnormality (15 hypoechoic, 5 anechoic) of the tendons.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that ultrasonography is informative and accurate for the detection of clinical medial epicondylitis. Therefore, ultrasonography should be considered as an initial imaging method for evaluating medial epicondylitis.     

彩色多普勒超声对肱骨外上髁炎的诊断价值

目的利用彩色多普勒超声检查(CDUS)观察肱骨外上髁炎(LE)患者肘关节外上髁的超声表现,评价CDUS对LE的诊断价值。方法对27例临床诊断为LE患者的27个患侧肘关节和18例对照者25个正常肘关节行超声检查,观察肱骨外上髁伸肌总腱的厚度、内部回声、有无钙化、撕裂以及内部血流情况,肱骨外上髁骨质是否光整、有无毛糙,并进行对比分析。结果对照组伸肌总腱平均厚度约(0.40±0.06)cm,LE组伸肌总腱平均厚度约(0.56±0.13)cm,较对照组明显增厚,差异有统计学意义(t=-5.43,P<0.01)。病变伸肌总腱回声减低,内部可有钙化或撕裂,彩色血流信号较对照组明显增多。肱骨外上髁骨皮质回声毛糙、不光整。结论 CDUS对肱骨外上髁炎具有一定的诊断价值,在临床应用中可作为诊断肱骨外上髁炎的首选检查方法。     

Comparison of sonography and MRI for diagnosing epicondylitis

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of sonography with those of MRI in evaluating epicondylitis. METHODS: The affected elbows of 11 patients with suspected epicondylitis were examined sonographically, and the contralateral (normal) elbow was also examined for comparison. In 10 of these patients, the affected elbow was also examined with MRI. In addition, both elbows of 6 volunteers without epicondylitis were examined sonographically; 1 elbow of each volunteer was designated as the "test" elbow and was examined with MRI. The sonograms of the patients' affected elbows and the volunteers' test elbows were paired with the sonograms of the contralateral elbows for comparison and were randomly shown twice to 2 readers. These readers, working independently and without knowledge of the findings of MRI, were instructed to state whether each elbow was normal or affected by epicondylitis. The MRI scans were then shown to the readers for similar review. RESULTS: Sonographic features of epicondylitis included outward bowing of the common tendon, presence of hypoechoic fluid subadjacent to the common tendon, thickening, decreased echogenicity, and ill-defined margins of the common tendon. Sensitivity for detecting epicondylitis ranged from 64% to 82% for sonography and from 90% to 100% for MRI. Specificity ranged from 67% to 100% for sonography and from 83% to 100% for MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Sonography is as specific but not as sensitive as MRI for evaluating epicondylitis. Used as an initial imaging tool, sonography might be adequate for diagnosing this condition in many patients, thus allowing MRI to be reserved for patients with symptoms whose sonographic findings are normal.     

Diagnostic and therapeutic injection of the elbow region

Joint injection of the elbow is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the family physician. In this article, the injection procedures for the elbow joint, medial and lateral epicondylitis, and olecranon bursitis are reviewed. Persistent pain related to inflammatory conditions responds well to injection in the region. Indications for elbow joint injection include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroid injection is an accepted treatment option for medial and lateral epicondylitis. Olecranon bursa aspiration and injection are useful when that bursa is inflamed. The proper techniques, choice and quantity of pharmaceuticals, and appropriate follow-up essential for effective outcomes are discussed.     

Diagnostic Performance of Axial-Strain Sonoelastography in Confirming Clinically Diagnosed Achilles Tendinopathy: Comparison with B-Mode Ultrasound and Color Doppler Imaging

This primary aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of axial-strain sonoelastography (ASE), B-mode ultrasound (US) and color Doppler US in confirming clinically symptomatic Achilles tendinopathy. The secondary aim was to establish the relationship between the strain ratio during sonoelastography and Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment—Achilles (VISA-A) scores. The VISA-A questionnaire is a validated clinical rating scale that evaluates the symptoms and dysfunction of the Achilles tendon. One hundred twenty Achilles tendons of 120 consecutively registered patients with clinical symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy and another 120 gender- and age-matched, asymptomatic Achilles tendons of 120 healthy volunteers were assessed with B-mode US, ASE and color Doppler US. Symptomatic patients had significantly higher strain ratio scores and softer Achilles tendon properties compared with controls (p < 0.001). The strain ratio was moderately correlated with VISA-A scores (r = −0.62, p < 0.001). The diagnostic accuracy of B-mode US, ASE and color Doppler US in confirming clinically symptomatic Achilles tendinopathy was 94.7%, 97.8% and 82.5% respectively. There was excellent correlation between the clinical reference standard and the grade of tendon quality on ASE (κ = 0.91, p < 0.05), compared with B-mode US (κ = 0.74, p < 0.05) and color Doppler imaging (κ = 0.49, p < 0.05). ASE is an accurate clinical tool in the evaluation of Achilles tendinopathy, with results comparable to those of B-mode US and excellent correlation with clinical findings. The strain ratio may offer promise as a supplementary tool for the objective evaluation of Achilles tendon properties.     

Chronic medial and lateral epicondylitis: a comparison of pain, disability, and function

OBJECTIVES: To investigate pain, disability, and muscle function of the arm in medial epicondylitis and to compare the results with those in chronic lateral epicondylitis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, case-control study. SETTING: University hospital clinic admitting chronic hand patients. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five patients with chronic unilateral medial epicondylitis and 25 age- and gender-matched patients with chronic unilateral lateral epicondylitis. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain drawing (PD) and a pain questionnaire with 7 items of pain and disability on visual analog scale (VAS). Dolorimeter measurements of pressure pain thresholds (PPT) on 3 defined cubital points. The isometric grip strength and isokinetic performance of wrist and forearm at a radial velocity of 90 degrees/s. RESULTS: Patients with medial epicondylitis had significantly less pain under strain (6.7 vs 7.9cm on VAS, P =.03) and a smaller PD (1.9 vs 2.5, P =.02) than patients with lateral epicondylitis. The PPTs of medial epicondyles were 54% (P =.0000) lower in medial epicondylitis. In lateral epicondylitis, all 3 cubital points showed significant decreases in PPTs. The isometric grip strength (mean and maximal) decreased by 6.2% and 3.6%, compared with the patients' healthy arms (P =.03,.16) and by 11.4% and 8.9% (P =.008,.02), respectively, compared with the expected value; in lateral epicondylitis, the grip strength decreased by 11.8% and 10.6% (P =.005,.01) and by 15% and 14% (P =.003,.007), respectively, when compared with the expected grip strength. Peak torque and produced work in wrist flexion were significantly reduced by 13% and 17% (P =.005,.0001), respectively, in both diseases. In lateral epicondylitis, supination and pronation were also reduced by 10% and 15% (P =.03). CONCLUSIONS: In chronic medial epicondylitis, muscle function and pain measures showed a lesser impaired function of the arm than in chronic lateral epicondylitis. The results may be useful in rehabilitation and treatment of epicondylitis.     

Automatic selection of representative slice from cine-loops of real-time sonoelastography for classifying solid breast masses

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of automatic selection of representative slice from cine-loops of real-time sonoelastography for classifying benign and malignant breast masses. This retrospective study included 141 ultrasound elastographic studies (93 benign and 48 malignant masses). A novel computer-assisted system was developed for the automatic segmentation of the targeted lesion from cine-loops of real-time sonoelastography. Its hard ratio, defined as the ratio of the number of hard pixels within the tumor divided by the total number of pixels of the whole tumor, was also calculated. The targeted mass was segmented by edge-detection and region growing methods, with combined motion registration after manually defining the original seed. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR_e) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR_e) of ultrasound elastogram were computed to obtain an optimum slice for differentiating benign and malignant lesions. The diagnostic results of automatic slice selection using maximum strain, maximum SNR_e, maximum CNR_e, maximum compression and the slices selected by radiologists were compared. Mann-Whitney U test, performance indexes and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used for statistical analysis. Performance using the maximum SNR_e (accuracy 84.4%, sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 85.0% and A_z value 0.90) was the best as compared with those of maximum CNR_e (82.3%, 79.2%, 83.9% and 0.88, respectively), maximum compression (78.0%, 79.2%, 77.4% and 0.85, respectively), maximum strain (79.4%, 79.2%, 79.6% and 0.87, respectively) and radiologists’ selection (77.3%, 77.1%, 77.4% and 0.80, respectively). Automatic selection of representative slice from the cine-loops of real-time sonoelastography is a practical, objective and accurate approach for classifying solid breast masses.(E-mail: moonwk@radcom.snu.ac.kr and rfchang@csie.ntu.edu.tw)     

Analysis of Elastographic and B-mode Features at Sonoelastography for Breast Tumor Classification

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of neural network analysis of elastographic features at sonoelastography for the classification of biopsy-proved benign and malignant breast tumors. Sonoelastography of 181 solid breast masses (113 benign and 68 malignant tumors) was performed for 181 patients (mean age, 47 years; range, 24–75 years). After the manual segmentation of the tumors, five elastographic features (strain difference, strain ratio, mean, median and mode) and six B-mode features (orientation, undulation, angularity, average gradient, gradient variance and intensity variance) were computed. A neural network was used to classify tumors by the use of these features. The Student's t test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used for statistical analysis. Area under ROC curve (Az) values of the three elastographic features– mean (0.87), median (0.86) and mode (0.83)–were significantly higher than the Az values for the six B-mode features (0.54–0.69) (p < 0.01). Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and Az of the neural network for the classification of solid breast tumors were 86.2% (156/181), 83.8% (57/68), 87.6% (99/113) and 0.84 for the elastographic features, respectively, and 82.3% (149/181), 70.6% (48/68), 89.4% (101/113) and 0.78 for the B-mode features, respectively, and 90.6% (164/181), 95.6% (65/68), 87.6% (99/113) and 0.92 for the combination of the elastographic and B-mode features, respectively. We conclude that sonoelastographic images and neural network analysis of features has the potential to increase the accuracy of the use of ultrasound for the classification of benign and malignant breast tumors. (E-mail: rfchang@csie.ntu.edu.tw)     

The elbow: diagnosis and treatment of common injuries

This article deals with common injuries to the elbow. Elbow anatomy is reviewed. Diagnosis and treatment of pronator syndrome,lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), radial tunnel syndrome, posterior interosseous nerve syndrome, medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow), ulnar collateral ligament injury, cubital tunnel syndrome,posterolateral rotatory instability, distal biceps injuries, tricepstendon injuries, and posterior elbow impingement are discussed.     

Features of testicular epidermoid cysts on contrast-enhanced sonography and real-time tissue elastography

A series of 7 testicular epidermoid cysts were imaged by contrast-enhanced sonography to assess internal vascularity and by real-time tissue elastography to grade stiffness by a visual and strain ratio quantification scoring system. No internal vascular enhancement was seen on contrast-enhanced sonography; the 3 largest lesions showed rim enhancement. On the real-time elastographic color display, all lesions were predominantly blue ("hard"), and the lesions analyzed for the strain ratio had a mean value of 43.57. Contrast-enhanced sonography depicts the absence of vascular flow, and real-time elastography shows that the epidermoid cysts are hard. This combination of information will help further characterize these lesions.     

动态关节松动术结合离心训练对肱骨外上髁炎的疗效观察

目的:观察动态关节松动术结合离心训练对肱骨外上髁炎的治疗效果。方法:选取40例肱骨外上髁炎患者随机分成对照组、观察组各20例,对照组采用Biodex等速训练仪进行腕背伸肌离心训练,观察组在接受上述治疗的基础上,同时接受肘关节动态关节松动治疗。在治疗前和治疗4周后分别对各组患者采用视觉模拟量表(VAS)、无痛握力(PFG)及网球肘分级评定(PRTEE)进行临床疗效评估。结果:治疗4周后,2组患者VAS评分、PRTEE疼痛、功能及总分均较治疗前明显降低(均P<0.05),且观察组更低于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗后,2组PFG评分均明显高于治疗前(均P<0.05),且观察组更高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:动态关节松动结合离心训练对肱骨外上髁炎患者疗效明显,可有效改善患者疼痛及日常生活活动能力,值得临床推广使用。     

The effectiveness of phonophoresis with ketoprofen in the treatment of epicondylopathy

Background. This article examines the therapeutic effects of phonophoresis with ketoprofen in gel form in patients with enthesopathy of the elbow. Ultrasonic therapy and phonophoresis have their primary application in the physical therapy of this disorder. The main aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of phonophoresis. Material and methods. The research group consisted of 19 patients diagnosed with enthesopathy of the lateral and medial epicondyle. In the statistical analysis we included 28 elbow joints treated with phonophoresis. The effects of therapy were compared with a control group of 20 patients who were treated with only ultrasound therapy. The therapeutic series consisted of 10 treatments, using the pulse mode of ultrasound and an intensity of 0.8 W/cm2 in both groups. The clinical examination (objective assessment) and interview (subjective assessment) consisted of specific tests, and were separately collected. Reasults. The positive effects of phonophoresis using a pharmacologically active gel with ketoprofen were shown to be highly significant in both assessments, objective and subjective. The pain symptoms in the elbow resolved in most of the patients. There were statistically significant differences between phonophoresis and ultrasound therapy. Conclusions. Our results support the application of phonophoresis with ketoprofen in the treatment of epicondylitis.     

Widespread pain in chronic epicondylitis

We studied the associations of widespread pain with other pain and functional measures among patients with chronic epicondylitis. A total of 190 patients (66% females) participated in the study; with a mean age 43.7, mean duration of symptoms 48 weeks, chronic lateral (n =160) and medial (n =30) epicondylitis. We analysed clinical status, grip strength and cubital pain thresholds and interviewed pain and disability, leisure time physical activity, strenuous hobby activities for arms, duration of symptoms, other systemic and upper extremity disorders, arm operations, and work ability. The location of pain was analysed using a whole‐body pain drawing, categorized into three groups; the highest of which was classified as widespread pain. A total of 85 patients (45%) reported widespread pain. It was highly associated with female gender, high pain scores, decreased grip strength and pain thresholds (p <0.001 for all), with increased number of positive manual tests, low level of hobby strain for arms and physical activity, long duration of symptoms, and sick leave (p for all <0.05). It was also related to upper extremity disorders and arm surgery, but not with operated epicondylitis, other systemic diseases, workload or work ability. In addition, 39% of patients without other disease reported widespread pain. Widespread pain is common in chronic epicondylitis with and without other diseases, and is related to high pain scores, decreased function of the arm, long duration of symptoms, sick leave, and with a low level of physical activity.     

Effect of wrist and finger flexion in relation to strain on the tendon origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis: A cadaveric study simulating stretching exercises

BackgroundStretching exercises based on wrist flexion-ulnar deviation with elbow extension, forearm pronation, and additional index or middle finger flexion have been used to stretch the wrist extensors for lateral epicondylitis. The purpose of this study was to quantify the strain on the tendon origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis in cadaver specimens during these stretching exercises.MethodsWe used 8 fresh frozen/thawed cadaveric upper extremities. The strain on the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon origin was measured by the addition of 4 types of traction (no traction, wrist flexion-ulnar deviation, and index or middle finger flexion in combination with wrist flexion-ulnar deviation) in 7 sequential elbow flexion angles during forearm pronation. Two types of varus stress load to the elbow (none, gravity on the forearm) were also applied.FindingsA significant increase in strain was obtained by wrist traction with 0°, 15° and 30° of elbow flexion (P < 0.05). The strain was also significantly increased by adding finger traction (P < 0.05) and varus stress load (P < 0.05). A maximum strain value of 5.30 (SD 1.73) % was obtained when traction on the middle finger in combination with traction of the wrist was added at 15° elbow flexion with varus stress load.InterpretationThe present study provides data about the amount of strain on the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon during stretching exercises of the wrist and finger extensors. The results of this study could be applied to stretching exercises for patients with lateral epicondylitis.     

Ultrasound-guided,minimally invasive,percutaneous needle puncture treatment for tennis elbow

Introduction  This report evaluates the efficacy of percutaneous needle puncture under sonographic guidance in treating lateral epicondylitis (tennis-elbow). Methods  Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle puncture was performed on 76 patients who presented with persistent elbow pain. Under a local anesthetic and sonographic guidance, a needle was advanced into the calcification foci and the calcifications were mechanically fragmented. This was followed by a local injection of 25 mg prednisone acetate and 1% lidocaine. If no calcification was found then multiple punctures were performed followed by local injection of 25 mg prednisone acetate and 1% lidocaine. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the degree of pain pre-and posttreatment at 1 week to 24 weeks. Elbow function improvement and degree of self-satisfaction were also evaluated. Results  Of the 76 patients, 55% were rated with excellent treatment outcome, 32% good, 11% average, and 3% poor. From 3 weeks posttreatment, VAS scores were significantly reduced compared with the pretreatment score (P<0.05) and continued to gradually decline up to 24 weeks posttreatment. Sonography demonstrated that the calcified lesions disappeared completely in 13% of the patients, were reduced in 61% of the patients, and did not change in 26% of the patients. Color Doppler flow signal used to assess hemodynamic changes showed a significant improvement after treatment in most patients. Conclusion  Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle puncture is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for tennis elbow. Sonography can be used to accurately identify the puncture location and monitor changes.     

Semi-Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of Breast Ultrasound Elastography in Differentiating Between Malignant and Benign Lesions

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment of ultrasound elastography in differentiating between benign and malignant breast lesions. This prospective study was conducted in two tertiary medical centers. Consecutive B-mode ultrasound and real-time elastographic images were obtained for 67 malignant and 101 benign breast lesions in 168 women. Four experienced radiologists analyzed B-mode ultrasound alone and B-mode ultrasound combined with elastography independently. Conventional ultrasound findings were classified according to the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System classification. The elastographic assessment was based on qualitative and semi-quantitative parameters (i.e., strain pattern, width ratio, strain ratio). The sensitivity and specificity of combined elastography and conventional ultrasound were significantly higher than that of conventional ultrasound alone. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value was 97%, 61.4%, 62.5% and 96.8%, respectively, for conventional ultrasound and 100%, 93%, 99% and 90%, respectively, for combined technique. The semi-quantitative assessment with strain ratio and width ratio in elastography were the most useful parameters in differentiating between benign and malignant breast lesions. Cut-off point values for width ratio of more than 1.1 and strain ratio of more than 5.6 showed a high predictive value of malignancy with specificities of 84% and 76%, respectively (p < 0.001). This combined technique also had the best results in detecting carcinoma and could reduce the need of unnecessary biopsy for benign lesions with indeterminate or equivocal features.     

The effect of forearm rotation on laxity and stability of the elbow

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to quantify the relationship between forearm rotation and valgus/varus laxity of the elbow joint over the range of elbow flexion. BACKGROUND: There is little known about the influence of forearm rotation on the laxity and stability of the elbow joint. The general opinion exists that forearm rotation does not significantly influence the laxity and stability of the elbow joint. METHODS: Nine fresh-frozen cadaver elbows were used. Passive elbow flexion with the forearm in neutral rotation and in 40 degrees and 80 degrees of pronation and supination was performed under valgus/varus loads: (1) in intact elbows; (2) after a lateral surgical approach (lateral epicondylar osteotomy of the distal humerus); (3) after release of the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament; and (4) after release of the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament plus radial head resection. Valgus/varus elbow laxity was quantified using an electromagnetic tracking device. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant effect (P < 0.05) of forearm rotation on valgus/varus laxity throughout the range of flexion. The laxity was always greater in pronation than in supination, regardless of the surgical approach or the integrity of the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament or radial head. CONCLUSIONS:Valgus/varus laxity of the elbow is forearm rotation-dependent. The potential role of this effect should be considered and controlled for in the design of studies examining laxity and stability of the elbow joint. RELEVANCE: The observation that forearm pronation increases valgus/varus laxity, particularly in medial collateral ligament deficient elbows, implies a possible additional factor in throwing kinematics that might put professional baseball pitchers at risk of medial collateral ligament injury due to chronic valgus overload. Our data indicate that forearm rotation should be considered during the clinical examination of elbow instability.     

Application of Various Additional Imaging Techniques for Thyroid Ultrasound: Direct Comparison of Combined Various Elastography and Doppler Parameters to Gray-Scale Ultrasound in Differential Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules

This study was conducted to evaluate the role in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules of various elastographic and Doppler parameters when added to gray-scale ultrasonography (US). One-hundred seventy-one thyroid nodules (63 malignant, 108 benign) in 169 patients were included. Elastography (strain and shear wave elastography) and Doppler (power Doppler, superb microvascular imaging and microflow imaging) images of the same thyroid nodule were obtained using a single US machine. The diagnostic performance parameters of gray-scale US with and without elastography and those of Doppler US were calculated and compared. The specificity, positive predictive value and accuracy of gray-scale US were significantly higher than those of US combined with elastographic parameters (all p values?<?0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for gray-scale US was 0.877, significantly higher than that for US combined with elastography patterns, shear wave elastography ratio (all p values?<?0.05) and Doppler parameters. Adding additional imaging modalities such as elastography and Doppler does not improve the diagnostic performance of gray-scale US in differentiating thyroid nodules.     

Corticosteroid injections for lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review

Patients with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) are frequently treated with corticosteroid injections, in order to relieve pain and diminish disability. The objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of corticosteroid injections for lateral epicondylitis. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were identified by a highly sensitive search strategy in six databases in combination with reference tracking. Two independent reviewers selected and assessed the methodological quality of RCTs that included patients with lateral epicondylitis treated with corticosteroid injection(s), and reported at least one clinically relevant outcome measure. Standardised mean differences were computed for continuous data and relative risks (RR) for dichotomous data. A best-evidence synthesis was conducted, weighting the studies with respect to their internal validity, statistical significance, clinical relevance, and statistical power. Thirteen studies consisting of 15 comparisons were included in the review, evaluating the effects of corticosteroid injections compared to placebo injection (n=2), injection with local anaesthetic (n=5), another conservative treatment (n=5), or another corticosteroid injection (n=3). Almost all studies had poor internal validity scores. For short-term outcomes (or=6 months), no statistically significant or clinically relevant results in favour of corticosteroid injections were found. Although the available evidence shows superior short-term effects of corticosteroid injections for lateral epicondylitis, it is not possible to draw firm conclusions on the effectiveness of injections, due to the lack of high quality studies. No beneficial effects were found for intermediate or long-term follow-up. More, better designed, conducted and reported RCTs with intermediate and long-term follow-up are needed.