COMPARISON OF THE EFFICACY OF HIGH-INTENSITY LASER THERAPY AND CORTICOSTEROID INJECTION IN PATIENTS WITH DE QUERVAIN'S TENOSYNOVITIS, LITERATURE REVIEW
Abstract
Background: De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQT) is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by pain and inflammation in the tendons of the wrist, particularly affecting the radial side. The condition often leads to functional limitations and reduced quality of life, making effective treatment crucial.
Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) with corticosteroid injections in the treatment of De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQT), focusing on pain reduction, functional recovery, and overall treatment outcomes. Additionally, the role of therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) as an adjunctive treatment was explored.
Methods: The Medline, Pubmed, Embase, NCBI, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies comparing the efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy and corticosteroid injection in patients with De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
Conclusion: HILT was found to be the most effective treatment for DQT in terms of long-term pain relief, range of motion, and functional recovery. Corticosteroid injections were effective for short-term pain management but showed less improvement in ROM and functionality. TUS demonstrated potential as an adjunctive treatment, enhancing the effects of HILT. The findings suggest that HILT may be a preferable first-line treatment for DQT, particularly for patients seeking long-term relief without the side effects of corticosteroid injections.