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Decreased intramuscular blood flow in patients with lateral epicondylitis
Author(s) -
Oskarsson E.,
Gustafsson B.E.,
Pettersson K.,
Aulin K.Piehl
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.575
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1600-0838
pISSN - 0905-7188
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2006.00567.x
Subject(s) - epicondylitis , medicine , blood flow , microcirculation , isometric exercise , visual analogue scale , anesthesia , grip strength , intramuscular injection , hand strength , surgery , physical therapy , elbow
The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate intramuscular microcirculation in extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Ten patients with unilateral epicondylitis, mean duration of symptoms of 39 (12–96) months participated. The diagnosis was based on clinical examination and none was under treatment for the last 6 months. Isometric handgrip strength, 2‐pinch grip strength and muscle strength during radial deviation and dorsal extension were determined. Functional perceived pain was evaluated by a modified behaviour rating scale and perceived pain during contraction by visual analogue scale. Intramuscular and skin blood flow was recorded by a laser‐Doppler flowmetry system technique (LDF) during stable temperature condition. Intramuscular blood flow was significantly lower in the affected side, 22.7±9.8 perfusion units (PU), as compared with 35.2±11.9 PU in the control side ( P =0.01). There was no difference in skin blood flow or temperature between the affected and the control side. A positive correlation was found between the duration of symptoms and the difference in intramuscular blood flow between the affected and the control arm ( r =0.65, P =0.06). The present data indicate that decreased microcirculation and anaerobic metabolism in ECRB may contribute to the lateral epicondylitis symptoms.