The predictive value of the extensor grip test for the effectiveness of bracing for tennis elbow.

Abstract

Tennis elbow is a common complaint. Several treatment strategies, such as corticosteroid injections and physical therapy and braces, have been described. The extensor grip test has predictive value in assessing the effectiveness of bracing in tennis elbow. Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 1. Patients with tennis elbow complaints were randomized into 3 groups: brace only, physical therapy, and combination brace and physical therapy. The extensor grip test was performed before randomization on all patients. Outcome measures at 6-week follow-up were success rate, severity of complaints, pain, disability, inconvenience during daily life, and satisfaction. In the brace-only group, significant differences were identified between patients with a positive test result and patients with a negative test result for 3 outcome measures. The success rate in the test-negative group was 23% (5/22) compared to 47% (21/45) in the test-positive group. Mean decrease in pain was 23 (95% confidence interval, -3 to 49) in the test-positive group compared to 11 (95% confidence interval, -6 to 28) in the test-negative group, and mean satisfaction in the test-positive group was 71 (95% confidence interval, 48 to 94) compared to 51 (95% confidence interval, 24 to 78) in the test-negative group. In the physical therapy and combination groups, no differences were identified between test-positive and test-negative patients. The extensor grip test seems valuable as a predictive factor for the effectiveness of bracing as treatment for tennis elbow over the short term.