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Three-phase bone scintigraphy in chronic epicondylitis.
Tuomo T Pienimäki1, Reijo J Takalo, Aapo K Ahonen
1Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Oulu, Finland. tuomo.pienimaki@ttl.fi
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|November 11, 2008
Summary
Three-phase bone scintigraphy revealed higher bone uptake in chronic epicondylitis patients, indicating a potential healing response. This bone uptake correlated with improved muscle strength and work ability, not pain.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Nuclear Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Chronic epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a debilitating condition affecting elbow joint function.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of 3-phase bone scintigraphy in patients with chronic epicondylitis.
- To correlate scintigraphic findings with clinical outcomes and functional parameters.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 59 patients with unilateral chronic epicondylitis.
- Three-phase bone scintigraphy using technetium-labeled hydroxymethyline diphosphonate ((99m)Tc-HDP) was performed.
- Bone uptake was quantified and compared with clinical assessments of pain, muscle strength, and work ability.
Main Results:
- Patients exhibited significantly higher (99m)Tc-HDP uptake in affected epicondyles compared to healthy controls (P<.001 for men, P=.007 for women).
- Elevated bone uptake correlated positively with work ability, grip strength, and muscle performance.
- Blood flow phases showed a positive correlation with symptom duration and negative correlation with bone uptake and strength.
Conclusions:
- High bone uptake of (99m)Tc-HDP in chronic epicondylitis may signify a bone healing response.
- This finding suggests 3-phase bone scintigraphy can be a valuable complementary diagnostic tool in assessing disease activity and functional prognosis.
