To Study Efficacy of Dry Needling after Lignocaine Infiltration versus Local Steroid Injection for Management of...

Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting 1%-3% of the population, with a higher incidence among athletes and manual laborers. It impairs quality of life, reduces productivity, and imposes economic burden on healthcare systems.

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of dry needling after lignocaine infiltration versus local corticosteroid injection in managing lateral epicondylitis.

This hospital-based, prospective, randomized comparative study was conducted over 18 months in the orthopedics department of a tertiary care hospital. Forty-five patients over 18 years with lateral epicondylitis unresponsive to 3 weeks of conservative treatment were randomized into two groups. Group A (n = 21) received dry needling after lignocaine infiltration with 2-3 sterile needles inserted at the point of maximum tenderness, administered twice weekly for four sessions. Group B (n = 24) received a single injection of 40 mg triamcinolone acetate with 2% lignocaine. Outcome measures included patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) scores, grip strength, numeric pain rating scale, and pain pressure threshold (PPT), assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months.

Baseline characteristics were comparable. At 3 months, Group A showed significantly better outcomes: lower PRTEE scores (27.1 vs. 37.1, P < 0.001), higher grip strength (49 kg vs. 40.8 kg, P < 0.001), lower pain scores (2.1 vs. 3.1, P < 0.001), and higher PPT (5.6 vs. 4.7 kg/cm2, P < 0.001). Recurrence occurred in 8.3% of Group B, with none in Group A.

Dry needling after lignocaine infiltration is superior to steroid injection in lateral epicondylitis, with better clinical outcomes and lower recurrence at 3-month follow-up.