Comparative long-term efficacy of corticosteroid injections and ultrasound therapy in tennis elbow management – A systematic review

BACKGROUND: lateral epicondylitis affects 1%–3% of people in the 35–54 age range. It is a tendinopathy of the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. It is a pathology that has progressed favourably, but it recurs frequently, implying further financial costs. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasonic therapy and corticosteroid injections in treating lateral epicondylitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was carried out in July 2024 in the databases of PubMed, Cinahl, Scopus, Medline, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using the search terms: physical therapy modalities, ultrasonic therapy, rehabilitation, tennis elbow, elbow tendinopathy, and corticosteroid injection. RESULTS: Seven randomized controlled trials were identified that compare the use of corticosteroid injections and ultrasonic therapy in the treatment of tennis elbow (epicondylitis). CONCLUSIONS: Both local steroid injections and therapeutic ultrasound are effective in managing pain in patients with lateral epicondylitis. However, local steroid injections offer a more significant reduction in pain, especially in the early follow-up period, whereas ultrasonic therapy and exercises provide a more significant relief in late follow-up patients. No significant adverse reactions were reported in either group, indicating that both treatment modalities are safe when not contraindicated.