Ultrasound Evaluation of Blind Dry Needling in Lateral Epicondylitis

Overview

The aim of this clinical study is to evaluate the accuracy and consistency of the blinded needling procedure by evaluating the dry needling procedure under ultrasound guidance in patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis and with at least one active trigger point (MTrP) in the forearm extensor muscles. The study is a prospective, double-blind validation study. Participants: Volunteers aged 18-70 years, who have pain in the lateral epicondyle region for at least 6 weeks and who have active trigger points in the forearm extensor muscles detected by physical examination will be included in the study. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants.

Muscle Selection and Application Protocol All patients will be prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) and analgesic treatments in accordance with clinical standards, and the use of a wrist splint will be recommended to support symptom control. Four muscles are targeted during the evaluation: Extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), Extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL), Extensor digitorum communis (EDC), and Brachioradialis (BR). Blinded Dry Needling Application The first clinician determines the active TrP by manual palpation and performs dry needling without the use of ultrasound (blinded). The needling procedure is performed in accordance with the intramuscular TrP localization and techniques in Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. The patient is placed in the supine position. The needle used is a Hua - Long brand 0.30 x 30 mm single-use sterile acupuncture needle. The needle is advanced to the TrP and modulated until a local twitch response is obtained. If the patient experiences significant discomfort, the procedure is terminated. Ultrasound-Guided Needle Location Verification After the needling procedure, a second clinician evaluates the needle's location in the muscle using ultrasonography. This clinician is blinded to the target muscle. Imaging is performed in accordance with the guidance of 'Ultrasound of the Musculoskeletal System' Using a high-resolution linear probe (5-12 MHz) , the muscle in which the needle tip is located is monitored in real time in the transverse and longitudinal planes. Whether the needle is in the targeted muscle is recorded as "correct" or "incorrect".