Comparing clinical provocation tests and ultrasound for diagnosing tennis elbow
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Clinical Tests and the Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography in Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy
This study tests whether common physical provocation tests and ultrasound can accurately diagnose tennis elbow in adults with one-sided elbow pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Marmara University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Maltepe) |
| Trial ID | NCT07347873 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational diagnostic accuracy study will measure how well physical provocation tests (such as Cozen's, Mill's, and Maudsley tests) and musculoskeletal ultrasound identify lateral elbow tendinopathy. Adults aged 18–60 with unilateral lateral epicondyle tenderness and pain provoked by algometer pressure will be enrolled, while people with rheumatologic disease, prior corticosteroid injections at the lateral epicondyle, prior elbow surgery, or infection are excluded. Test results will be compared to a reference standard to calculate sensitivity and specificity for each clinical and imaging test. The goal is to clarify which bedside or imaging methods are most reliable for diagnosing LET in routine clinic settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–60 with one-sided elbow pain, tenderness at the lateral epicondyle, and pain provoked by pressure compared with the opposite side are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with rheumatologic conditions, prior corticosteroid injections to the lateral epicondyle, previous elbow surgery or infection, bilateral symptoms, or those outside the 18–60 age range may not benefit from this study's findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, clinicians could use simple exam maneuvers or ultrasound more confidently to diagnose tennis elbow and avoid unnecessary additional testing.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has reported mixed accuracy for both provocation tests and ultrasound, so while these methods are commonly used, their diagnostic performance is not definitively established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 18-60 with unilateral elbow pain * Tenderness with palpation at the lateral epicondyle * Pain triggered with pressure compared to the opposite lateral epicondyle with algometer. Exclusion Criteria: * History of rheumatologic diseases * History of e corticosteroid injections on lateral epicondyle * History of elbow surgery or infection
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Maltepe
- Marmara University — Istanbul, Maltepe, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: İlker Yağcı, Prof. M.D. — Acıbadem Ataşehir Hospital
- Study coordinator: Arda Can Kasap, M.D.
- Email: drardakasap@gmail.com
- Phone: +902166254545
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.