Evaluation of the Efficacy of Low Level Laser Therapy in Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow
Condition: Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at Elbow
MeSH terms: Nerve Compression Syndromes; Ulnar Neuropathies; Ulnar Nerve Compression Syndromes; Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The purpose of this study is, to demonstrate the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy on
      symptoms, clinical and electrophysiological parameters in elbow ulnar neuropathy.
    

Detailed description: 
      Ulnar neuropathy of the elbow is the second most common entrapment neuropathy of the upper
      extremity. The ulnar nerve is prone to entrapment due to its anatomical location in the
      elbow. The most important cause of entrapment occurs as a result of frequent chronic
      mechanical compression or stretching. Repetitive flexion-extension movement of the elbow
      increases the pressure in both the cubital tunnel and other potential entrapment sites,
      causing tension in the ulnar nerve and increased intraneural pressure.

      Ulnar neuropathy of the elbow, a detailed history and a comprehensive physical examination
      are the essential first steps in making the correct diagnosis. In case of doubt,
      electrophysiological studies, in particular, play an important role in diagnosis by
      determining both the location of nerve compression and the severity of the disease. There are
      conservative and surgical methods for the treatment of ulnar neuropathy in the elbow. In most
      patients, especially in mild and moderate entrapments, conservative treatment is preferred
      instead of surgery as initial treatment.

      Low-level laser therapy, one of the physical therapy modalities, creates photochemical
      reactions and biostimulation in the cells, interstitial tissue, vascular structure and immune
      system. Its anti-inflammatory effect is through inhibition of Cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme and a
      decrease in Prostaglandin E2 levels, and its analgesic effect is by inhibiting nociceptive
      pathways in peripheral nerves, thus reducing pain. It has been shown to increase nerve
      regeneration and nerve conduction, reduce the effects of nerve compression, and may stimulate
      nerve healing thanks to its biophysical effect.

      There is no sham-controlled study showing the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in
      elbow ulnar neuropathy, the second most common entrapment neuropathy. The study was planned
      to investigate the effectiveness of low-level laser treatment on symptoms, clinical and
      electrophysiological parameters in elbow ulnar neuropathy.
    

Intervention name(s): Low-level laser therapy; Sham
Intervention type(s): Other; Other
Intervention description(s): Low-level laser therapy was applied to each area for 1 minute, with a wavelength of 808 nm and a dose of 2j/cm2 for a total of 5 minutes,10j/cm2 in continuous mode. A total of 15 sessions were applied 5 days a week for 3 weeks.; Sham therapy was applied to each area for 1 minute, with a wavelength of 0 nm and a dose of 0j/cm2 for a total of 5 minutes, 0j/cm2. A total of 15 sessions were applied 5 days a week for 3 weeks.
Other intervention name(s): Medical Italia PR999 4W
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: Two groups with laser treatment and sham-controlled treatment
Masking: Double (Participant, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Low-lever laser therapy; Splint; Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at Elbow; Electroneuromyography