Surgery vs Physical Therapy for Tennis Elbow
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow, typically caused by motions involving straightening of the arm. The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate whether early surgery leads to better outcomes than physical therapy and watchful waiting for tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) in adults. This study aims to answer the following questions:
* Does earlier surgical intervention improve pain and function more than physical therapy and watchful waiting after one year?
* How do symptoms and function compare between the two treatments over two years?
* How often do people who start with physical therapy and watchful waiting end up needing surgery?
Researchers will compare early surgery to physical therapy and watchful waiting to see which treatment works better.
Participants will...
* be randomly assigned to have surgery or to try physical therapy and watchful waiting.
* have a physical exam and grip strength test at each visit.
* answer questionnaires about their elbow pain and function.
* attend appointments at the start of the study, and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years.
Who Is on the Research Team?
John R Fowler, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
John R Fowler, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
John R Fowler, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with tennis elbow (pain on the outside of the elbow from arm use). Participants must be able to attend regular follow-up visits and complete physical exams and questionnaires. Specific inclusion or exclusion criteria are not detailed.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Conservative Arm (Physical Therapy and Watchful Waiting)
- Surgical Intervention
Trial Overview
The study compares two treatments for tennis elbow: early surgery versus a nonsurgical approach using physical therapy and watchful waiting. Participants are randomly assigned to one group, with progress tracked over two years.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Surgical management of lateral epicondylitis
Conservative management of lateral epicondylitis with option to convert to surgical management
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
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