Comparing clinical provocation tests and ultrasound for diagnosing tennis elbow
Official title: Diagnostic Accuracy of the Clinical Tests and the Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography in Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy
Run by Marmara University · NCT07347873 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Marmara University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Maltepe) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 17, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 26, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07347873 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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TINLL (nerve-length) approach versus traditional stretching and strengthening for lateral elbow pain
This trial will see if a nerve-focused TINLL technique helps adults with tennis elbow more than standard stretching and strengthening.
-
Ultrasound check of tendon attachment sites in people with tennis elbow
This project will try to see if people with tennis elbow have more ultrasound signs of enthesitis at other tendon attachment sites than healthy volunteers.
-
Pressure-pain sensitivity and natural pain-blocking after a cold hand immersion in people with and without tennis elbow
This will test whether people with tennis elbow feel pressure pain differently and whether their body's natural pain‑blocking response changes before, during, and after a cold hand immersion compared with people without elbow pain.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.