Comparison of effects of iontophoresis and local injection of dexamethasone phosphate in the treatment of tennis elbow

Abstract EN

Background : Tennis elbow is the commonest example of traumatic tendon disease of the elbow ; the causes may be due to the repeated stress, which could come from motions in sport or at work.

The patients may complain of ache in the area that is present at rest or at night after activity.

Different treatments as iontophoresis, ultra sounds, post isometric contraction relaxation and advice concerning in a proprial use of the hand extensors muscle. Aim : to evaluate the most beneficial of the previously mentioned treatments in tennis elbow patients. Patients and Methods : thirty six patients (25males and 11 females), most of them are nonathletic (83.3 %), their age range from 22-56 years (mean value = 35 ± 110), who were clinically diagnosed as tennis elbow by an orthopedician or physiotherapy seniors.

They were referred to the physiotherapy unit at Azadi hospital in Duhok city, Kurdistan region, republic of Iraq.

The study period was dated from 1st March 2007 to 1st April 2009 ; the patients were divided into two groups, group A (18 patients) treated with local Dexamethasone Phosphate injection (4mg), group B (18patients) treated with Dexamethasone Phosphate iontophoresis (4mg), the follow up of the patients was started after the initiation of treatments by one week and monthly continuo for 6 months. Results : Patients in group A and B showed good response to local Dexamethasone Phosphate injection and Dexamethasone Phosphate iontophoresis 94.4 % and 88.9 % respectively.

While 5.6% and 11.1 % of the patients did not respond to the same treatment regime in group A and group B and they need surgical interference. Conclusions : Iontophoresis is not superior to local injection with Dexamethasone, but it is preferable for their characteristics, as being non-invasive, non traumatic, less painful and safe technique.