Lateral epicondylitis in general practice: course and prognostic indicators of outcome.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the course of lateral epicondylitis and identify prognostic indicators associated with short- and longterm outcome of pain intensity.

METHODS:
We prospectively followed patients (n = 349) from 2 randomized controlled trials investigating conservative interventions for lateral epicondylitis in primary care. Uni- and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to investigate the association between potential prognostic indicators and pain intensity (0-100 point scale) measured at 1, 6, and 12 months after randomization. Potential prognostic factors were duration of elbow complaints, concomitant neck pain, concomitant shoulder pain, previous elbow complaints, baseline pain scores, age, gender, involvement of dominant side, social class, and work status. The variables "study" and "treatment" were included as covariates in all models.

RESULTS:
Pain scores at 1 month followup were higher in patients with severe pain, a long duration of elbow complaints, and concomitant shoulder pain. At 12 month followup, the only different prognostic indicator for poor outcome was concomitant neck pain, in place of shoulder pain. Patients from higher social classes reported lower pain scores at 12 month followup than patients from lower social classes.

CONCLUSIONS:
Lateral epicondylitis seems to be a self-limiting condition in most patients. Long duration of elbow complaints, concomitant neck pain, and severe pain at presentation are associated with poor outcome at 12 months. Our results will help care providers give patients accurate information regarding their prognosis and assist in medical decision-making.

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Author information

Author/s: Smidt, Nynke (N); Lewis, Martyn (M); VAN DER Windt, Daniëlle A W M (DA); Hay, Elaine M (EM); Bouter, Lex M (LM); Croft, Peter (P);

Affiliation: Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. n.smidt(-atsign-)amc.uva.nl

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: The Journal of rheumatology (J Rheumatol), published in Canada. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Oct; vol 33 (issue 10) : pp 2053-59

Dates: Created 2006/10/02; Completed 2007/02/20; Revised 2007/03/22;

PMID: 16881095, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

CommentIn: J Rheumatol. 2006 Oct;33(10):1928-30. (PMID: 17014010)

CommentIn: Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol. 2007 Mar;3(3):138-9. (PMID: 17290245)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult
Anti-Inflammatory Agents - administration & dosage; therapeutic use
Decision Making
Disease Progression
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Injections
Linear Models

Linear Models
Male
Pain - etiology; physiopathology; therapy
Physical Therapy Modalities
Prospective Studies
Tennis Elbow - complications; physiopathology; therapy
Time Factors
Treatment Outcome
Triamcinolone Acetonide - administration & dosage; therapeutic use

Associated Chemicals: Anti-Inflammatory Agents (0) ; Triamcinolone Acetonide (76-25-5)

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