Patient Information Resources


Orthogate
1089 Spadina Road
Toronto, AL M5N 2M7
Ph: 416-483-2654
Fax: 416-483-2654
christian@orthogate.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

The Continuing Search for Better Tennis Elbow Treatments

Posted on: 04/19/2005
Pain, weak grip strength, and decreased quality of life (QOL). These are the challenges patients with chronic tennis elbow face everyday. Researchers trying to find a way to treat this problem compared two groups of patients. One group got a local injection of botulinum toxin type A. The second (placebo) group received an injection of saline. Based on pain, strength, and QOL, they found no difference between the two groups. Measurements were taken before and three months after treatment.

Studies of tissue at the painful site show no actual inflammation involved with tennis elbow. Some reports have shown botulinum A works for tennis elbow that hasn't responded to other treatment. Botulinum A paralyzes the painful elbow muscle. The goal is to allow the muscle to heal. The injection works for about three to four months.

The authors conclude that botulinum A is not an effective treatment for chronic tennis elbow. They suggest a second study with a larger number of patients since there were only 20 patients in each group. Grip strength would be a better measure of change than the subjective measure of pain.

References:
M. J. Hayton, FRCS (Tr and Orth), et al. Botulinum Toxin Injection in the Treatment of Tennis Elbow. In The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. March 2005. Vol. 87-A. No. 3. Pp.503-507.

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.