AI Article Synopsis

  • This study evaluates the effectiveness of botulinum toxin type A (BT-A) for treating tennis elbow through a review of randomized clinical trials up until June 2024.
  • Seven trials involving 381 middle-aged patients showed that BT-A significantly reduced pain compared to placebo at two to twelve weeks, but grip strength remained similar between both groups.
  • The study concludes that while BT-A helps alleviate pain in tennis elbow, more research is required for definitive proof of its safety and effectiveness due to limitations in the current studies.

Article Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to assess the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (BT-A) in treating tennis elbow.

Methods: We systematically reviewed the literature and included full-text randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published until June 2024, available in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Eligible studies involved patients with tennis elbow and compared BT-A with placebo or other injectable treatments. Primary outcomes included pain relief, while secondary outcomes assessed quality of life, adverse effects, and grip strength. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.

Results: Seven RCTs with a total of 381 patients were included. The participants were predominantly middle-aged (mean age 46.64 ± 7.72 years) and diagnosed with chronic tennis elbow. BT-A doses ranged from 20U to 60U. Compared to placebo, BT-A effectively reduced pain at two to four weeks (MD = -1.37; 95% CI = -2.18 to -0.57) and at eight to 12 weeks (MD = -1.13; 95% CI = -1.62 to -0.65). Grip strength was comparable between the BT-A and placebo groups at both time points (2 to 4 weeks: SMD = -0.86; 95% CI -1.78 to 0.05; 8 to 12 weeks: SMD = 0.00; 95% CI = -0.95 to 0.95).

Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that BT-A reduces pain in tennis elbow within two to 12 weeks compared to placebo. Findings are limited by study size, and further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00264-024-06339-6DOI Listing

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