Comparative Effectiveness of Ultrasound Versus Low-Level Laser in de Quervain's Tenosynovitis.

Background: De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQT) is an inflammatory condition affecting the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendon sheaths at the radial styloid. It can impair hand function, reduce quality of life, and hinder occupational performance. Although multiple treatments exist, there is limited consensus on the most effective therapeutic strategy.

Primary study objective: To compare the effects of ultrasound therapy versus low-level laser therapy in DQT patients.

Methods/design: A single-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted.

Setting: The study was conducted in the physiotherapy department of a hospital for a total duration of 4 weeks.

Participants: Seventy-two patients diagnosed with DQT, randomly assigned to Group A (n = 36) and Group B (n = 36).

Intervention: Group A received low-level laser therapy twice weekly for 4 weeks, while Group B received ultrasound therapy twice weekly for 4 weeks.

Primary outcome measures: We used the visual analogue scale and patient-rated wrist evaluation as outcome measures to assess pain and wrist disability, respectively. We collected the data at baseline, at the end of the 2nd week, and after the completion of the 4th week.

Results: Both groups showed significant within-group reductions in VAS scores over the 4-week treatment period (P = .00). However, at the 4th week, the low-level laser therapy group demonstrated significantly greater pain reduction compared to the ultrasound group (P = .00).

Conclusion: The study concluded that low-level laser therapy is significantly more effective at reducing wrist disability but not pain as compared to ultrasound therapy in the DQT.

Keywords: Comparative study, de Quervain's stenosing tenosynovitis, Low-level laser therapy, Physical medicine, Therapeutic ultrasound.