This randomized clinical trial compared ultrasound-guided triamcinolone injection and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in patients with long head of the biceps brachii tendinopathy. Participants in both groups also received a supervised physiotherapy exercise program. Pain, shoulder-related pain and disability, ultrasonographic findings, and clinical test results were assessed at baseline and at 1 and 3 months after treatment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
42
Conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was applied at a frequency of 200 Hz and a pulse duration of 200 μs for 15 minutes per session, for a total of 15 sessions.
A single ultrasound-guided peritendinous injection of 1 mL triamcinolone acetonide (40 mg/mL) mixed with 1 mL lidocaine hydrochloride (20 mg/mL) was administered around the long head of the biceps tendon.
Ankara Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for Pain
Pain intensity was assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Pain was evaluated both at rest and during movement. Scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain), with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months
Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)
Shoulder pain and disability were assessed using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), which includes pain and disability subscales. The total score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater shoulder pain and disability.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months
Maximum diameter of the long head of the biceps tendon
The maximum diameter of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon was measured by musculoskeletal ultrasonography at the site of greatest tendon thickness and recorded in millimeters (mm).
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months
Peritendinous fluid around the long head of the biceps tendon
Peritendinous fluid was measured by ultrasonography at the site of greatest effusion between the tendon and tendon sheath and recorded in millimeters (mm). Minimal probe compression was applied during measurement.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months
Increased vascular signal in the long head of the biceps tendon
Vascular signal in the long head of the biceps tendon region was assessed using Doppler ultrasonography. Any increase in vascular signal detected along the bicipital groove was considered positive. The result was recorded as positive or negative.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months
Speed Test
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
The Speed test was used to evaluate pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon. Test results were recorded as positive or negative.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months
Yergason Test
The Yergason test was used to evaluate pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon. Test results were recorded as positive or negative.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months