Effectiveness of Treatment of Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis by Static Wrist Extensor Splint

Background: Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is a painful condition of the elbow caused by overuse. Various conservative methods of treatment have been explained, but still no optimal treatment strategy has been identified for the intermediate and long-term relief. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of treatment of lateral epicondylitis using static wrist extensor brace. Material and Methods: We analysed the beneficial effects of static wrist extensor splint in the treatment of chronic lateral epicondylitis on 53 patients. The data were collected prospectively and assessed by subjective and bjective clinical assessments using visual analogue scale, hand grip strength and the Mayo elbow performance score. The outcome measures were collected at every 4 weeks for up to 16 weeks. Results: We observed a reduction in the visual analogue score from 72.8% (before treatment) to 11.8%, improvement in hand grip strength of the hand from 24.7 kg (mean) before treatment to 32.9 kg (mean) within 3 months after treatment and improvement in the Mayo elbow performance score after the use of the wrist extensor splint for 1–3 months in majority of the patients. Conclusion: On the basis of our findings, we conclude that application of static wrist extensor splint for the duration of 1–3 months reduces pain, improves functionality of the arm and the grip strength in chronic lateral epicondylitis patients.