To investigate short-term effects of EMG-guided botulinum toxin A injections in chronic lateral epicondylitis.

Methods

Prospective 3-month follow-up study of 30 patients (mean age 46 years, 21 women). Single EMG-guided injection of botulinum toxin A into the motor endpoint zone and the origin of common extensor muscle. Outcomes: pain visual analog scale, grip strength, and Disability of the Arm, Hand and Shoulder scale (DASH).

Results

The mean pain score decreased during rest (5.1 to 3.1, p=0.04), night (5.3 to 3.5, p=0.03), and exertion (7.9 to 4.9, p=0.02). The grip strength did not improve at any time point. Finger extension paresis occurred in 13 patients (42%) without correlation with pain reduction (p=0.37).  The DASH showed improvement in only a few activities.

Conclusions

There was a significant pain reduction after botulinum toxin A injections in a short-term follow-up. Thus, botulinum toxin A injections could be considered when treating chronic tennis elbow.