Randomized controlled trial of celecoxib and local corticosteroid injection for treatment of lateral epicondylitis of elbow

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the efficacy between celecoxib 200mg/day and local injection mixture of triamcinolone (10mg/ml) 1 ml. and 1% lidocaine (10mg/ml) 1 ml. without adrenaline in the treatment of lateral epicodylitis patients. Study design: Randomized controlled trial Setting: Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University Research Methodology: Forty lateral epicondylitis patients were randomly allocated into two groups; group A received injection mixture of triamcinolone (10 mg/ml) 1 ml and 1% lidocaine (10 mg/ml) 1 ml into the tender site, whereas group B received oral celecoxib (200 mg/day) once daily for 3 weeks. All patients received the same post treatment protocol. Outcome measures included visual analog score, pain pressure threshold, grip strength, rescue drug used and adverse effects. The follow up period were 1, 2 and 3 months. Results: The two groups were similar in term of age, sex, affected dominant side, limitation of wrist motion and occupation. The success rate of treatment of one month follow up in steroid injection group was higher than celecoxib group; 89.5% and 10.5% (p=<0.0001). The main adverse effect in steroid injection group was post injection pain; severe 31.6%, moderate 26.3%, mild 15.8%. The other adverse effects in celecoxib group were comparable with steroid injection group. Conclusion: In one-month period, the steroid injection had more efficacy than celecoxib in treatment of lateral epicondylitis.