Lateral EpicondylitisPCNF-BrEpiNCT07894718
Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of the Forearm Epicondylar Branch Block on Pain and Function in Lateral Epicondylitis (PCNF-BrEpi)
A study testing Ultrasound-guided triamcinolone injection, Ultrasound-guided PCNF-BrEpi block and Conventional therapy (home exercise program and epicondylitis band) in people with Lateral Epicondylitis, run by Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Education and Research Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study evaluates the effect of an ultrasound-guided posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm epicondylar branch block on pain and functional status in patients with lateral epicondylitis. The procedure is performed using ultrasound guidance. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Lateral Epicondylitis
- What is being tested?
- Ultrasound-guided triamcinolone injection, Ultrasound-guided PCNF-BrEpi block and Conventional therapy (home exercise program and epicondylitis band)
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion, Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 84 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 25 Oct 2025to 25 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age between 18 and 65 years
- Symptom duration of at least 6 weeks
- Clinical and ultrasonographic diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis (based on history, physical examination and provocation tests)
- Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score of 4 or higher
- Signed informed consent form
Who cannot join
- Injection or trauma to the affected elbow region within the last 3 months
- Cervical radicular pain, median or ulnar entrapment neuropathy, or medial epicondylitis
- Use of anticoagulant therapy
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Psychiatric disorder or cognitive impairment preventing completion of questionnaires and assessment scales
- History of allergy to the solutions to be used (triamcinolone or lidocaine)
Show all 10Show fewer
- History of upper extremity surgery or fracture
- Connective tissue disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis)
- Diabetes mellitus, fibromyalgia, or polyneuropathy
- History of active malignancy
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital
Ankara, Ankara, Çankaya, 06800
Fatma ÖZCAN, Associate Professor Doctor, 0507 868 95 45 ext. 03122911000, fatma_yumus@hotmail.com
About this study
Official title: EFFECT OF ULTRASOUND-GUİDED POSTERİOR CUTANEOUS NERVE OF THE FOREARM EPİCONDYLAR BRANCH BLOCK ON PAİN AND FUNCTİONAL STATUS İN PATİENTS WİTH LATERAL EPİCONDYLİTİS
This study evaluates the effect of an ultrasound-guided posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm epicondylar branch block on pain and functional status in patients with lateral epicondylitis. The procedure is performed using ultrasound guidance. Pain and elbow function are assessed before and after the intervention to determine whether this nerve block can improve pain and functional outcomes in patients with lateral epicondylitis.
- Conditions
- Lateral Epicondylitis
- Being tested
- Ultrasound-guided triamcinolone injection, Ultrasound-guided PCNF-BrEpi block, Conventional therapy (home exercise program and epicondylitis band)
- Keywords
- Lateral Epicondylitis
- Medical subject headings
- Tennis Elbow
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Ultrasound-guided triamcinolone injectionDrug
Single-point injection of 1 mL triamcinolone into the common extensor tendon enthesis at the most tender point of the lateral epicondyle under ultrasound guidance (in-plane technique, 25-gauge needle), with the patient supine, shoulder adducted, elbow flexed 90 degrees and wrist pronated.
Ultrasound-guided PCNF-BrEpi blockProcedure or surgery
Ultrasound-guided nerve block of the epicondylar branch of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm with 1 mL of 2% lidocaine. Nerve localization is confirmed with an electrical nerve stimulator before injection.
Conventional therapy (home exercise program and epicondylitis band)Other
Standardized home exercise program given by the same physician: manual resistance strengthening (3 sets of 10 repetitions), static stretching of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (3 x 30 seconds before and after strengthening) and eccentric wrist exercises (3 sets of 10 repetitions, progressively increased resistance), performed once daily every day, plus use of an epicondylitis band. Participants will be followed by weekly phone calls. NSAIDs are not allowed during the first month; paracetamol is permitted for pain.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Therapy + Steroid Injection | Active comparator | Participants will receive conventional therapy (home exercise program and epicondylitis band) plus a single ultrasound-guided injection of 1 mL triamcinolone into the common extensor tendon origin (enthesis) at the lateral epicondyle, using an in-plane technique with a 25-gauge needle. Receives: Drug: Ultrasound-guided triamcinolone injection; Other: Conventional therapy (home exercise program and epicondylitis band) |
| Conventional Therapy + Steroid Injection + PCNF-BrEpi Block | Experimental | Participants will receive conventional therapy (home exercise program and epicondylitis band) plus a single ultrasound-guided injection of 1 mL triamcinolone into the common extensor tendon origin at the lateral epicondyle. In the same session and position, an ultrasound-guided block of the epicondylar branch of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm (PCNF-BrEpi) will be performed with 1 mL of 2% lidocaine after confirming the nerve with an electrical nerve stimulator. Receives: Drug: Ultrasound-guided triamcinolone injection; Procedure: Ultrasound-guided PCNF-BrEpi block; Other: Conventional therapy (home exercise program and epicondylitis band) |
| Conventional Therapy | Active comparator | Participants will receive conventional therapy only, consisting of a standardized home exercise program (strengthening, static stretching and eccentric exercises, once daily, every day) and an epicondylitis band. Receives: Other: Conventional therapy (home exercise program and epicondylitis band) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE)
PRTEE is a patient-reported outcome measure used to assess pain and functional disability related to tennis elbow.
Measured: At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment initiation
Secondary outcomes (5)
Visual Analog Scale
Visual Analog Scale used to assess pain intensity.
Measured: At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment initiation
Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand(QuickDASH)
QuickDASH is a patient-reported outcome measure used to assess upper extremity physical function and symptoms.
Measured: At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment initiation
Common Extensor Tendon Thickness Measured by Ultrasonography
Thickness of the common extensor tendon measured by ultrasonography.
Measured: At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment initiation
Hand Grip Strength Measured by Dynamometry
Hand grip strength measured using a hand dynamometer.
Measured: At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment initiation
Global Rating of Treatment Outcome
Patient's global assessment of the overall treatment outcome.
Measured: At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment initiation
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted26 Oct 2026
- Study start25 Oct 2025
- Primary completion25 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion25 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Lateral EpicondylitisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 84 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Education and Research Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Fatma Özcan, Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Education and Research Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07894718
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2024-KAEK-20
- Acronym
- PCNF-BrEpi
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 19 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 26 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared publicly due to patient confidentiality. Data may be made available by the corresponding author upon reasonable request, subject to ethics committee approval.
Publications
Maida E, Chiavaras MM, Jelsing EJ, O'Driscoll SW, Pawlina W, Smith J. Sonographic Visualization of the Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of the Forearm: Technique and Validation Using Perineural Injections in a Cadaveric Model. J Ultrasound Med. 2017 Aug;36(8):1627-1637. doi: 10.7863/ultra.16.08027. Epub 2017 Apr 8.
PubMed 28390161Koldas Dogan S, Ay S, Evcik D, Baser O. Adaptation of Turkish version of the questionnaire Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH) in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Clin Rheumatol. 2011 Feb;30(2):185-91. doi: 10.1007/s10067-010-1470-y. Epub 2010 Apr 22.
PubMed 20411289Altan L, Ercan I, Konur S. Reliability and validity of Turkish version of the patient rated tennis elbow evaluation. Rheumatol Int. 2010 Jun;30(8):1049-54. doi: 10.1007/s00296-009-1101-6. Epub 2009 Aug 26.
PubMed 19707766Ozmen T, Koparal SS, Karatas O, Eser F, Ozkurt B, Gafuroglu TU. Comparison of the clinical and sonographic effects of ultrasound therapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, and Kinesio taping in lateral epicondylitis. Turk J Med Sci. 2021 Feb 26;51(1):76-83. doi: 10.3906/sag-2001-79.
PubMed 32682361Umapathy S, Miller M, Chen YT. Novel Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of the Epicondylar Branch of the Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of the Forearm for Recalcitrant Lateral Epicondylosis. Cureus. 2024 May 28;16(5):e61222. doi: 10.7759/cureus.61222. eCollection 2024 May.
PubMed 38939254
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- EFFECT OF ULTRASOUND-GUİDED POSTERİOR CUTANEOUS NERVE OF THE FOREARM EPİCONDYLAR BRANCH BLOCK ON PAİN AND FUNCTİONAL STATUS İN PATİENTS WİTH LATERAL EPİCONDYLİTİS
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07894718
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PCNF-BrEpi / 2024-KAEK-20
- Conditions
- Lateral Epicondylitis
- Keywords
- Lateral Epicondylitis
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 84 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Education and Research HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 25 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 25 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 25 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 26 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study evaluates the effect of an ultrasound-guided posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm epicondylar branch block on pain and functional status in patients with lateral epicondylitis. The procedure is performed using ultrasound guidance. Pain and elbow function are assessed before and after the intervention to determine whether this nerve block can improve pain and functional outcomes in patients with lateral epicondylitis.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Therapy + Steroid Injection | Active comparator | Drug: Ultrasound-guided triamcinolone injection, Other: Conventional therapy (home exercise program and epicondylitis band)Participants will receive conventional therapy (home exercise program and epicondylitis band) plus a single ultrasound-guided injection of 1 mL triamcinolone into the common extensor tendon origin (enthesis) at the lateral epicondyle, using an in-plane technique with a 25-gauge needle. |
| Conventional Therapy + Steroid Injection + PCNF-BrEpi Block | Experimental | Drug: Ultrasound-guided triamcinolone injection, Procedure: Ultrasound-guided PCNF-BrEpi block, Other: Conventional therapy (home exercise program and epicondylitis band)Participants will receive conventional therapy (home exercise program and epicondylitis band) plus a single ultrasound-guided injection of 1 mL triamcinolone into the common extensor tendon origin at the lateral epicondyle. In the same session and position, an ultrasound-guided block of the epicondylar branch of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm (PCNF-BrEpi) will be performed with 1 mL of 2% lidocaine after confirming the nerve with an electrical nerve stimulator. |
| Conventional Therapy | Active comparator | Other: Conventional therapy (home exercise program and epicondylitis band)Participants will receive conventional therapy only, consisting of a standardized home exercise program (strengthening, static stretching and eccentric exercises, once daily, every day) and an epicondylitis band. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Age between 18 and 65 years
- Symptom duration of at least 6 weeks
- Clinical and ultrasonographic diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis (based on history, physical examination and provocation tests)
- Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score of 4 or higher
- Signed informed consent form
Key exclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Injection or trauma to the affected elbow region within the last 3 months
- Cervical radicular pain, median or ulnar entrapment neuropathy, or medial epicondylitis
- Use of anticoagulant therapy
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Psychiatric disorder or cognitive impairment preventing completion of questionnaires and assessment scales
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound-guided triamcinolone injectionSingle-point injection of 1 mL triamcinolone into the common extensor tendon enthesis at the most tender point of the lateral epicondyle under ultrasound guidance (in-plane technique, 25-gauge needle), with the patient supine, shoulder adducted, elbow flexed 90 degrees and wrist pronated. | Drug | Conventional Therapy + Steroid Injection, Conventional Therapy + Steroid Injection + PCNF-BrEpi Block |
| Ultrasound-guided PCNF-BrEpi blockUltrasound-guided nerve block of the epicondylar branch of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm with 1 mL of 2% lidocaine. Nerve localization is confirmed with an electrical nerve stimulator before injection. | Procedure or surgery | Conventional Therapy + Steroid Injection + PCNF-BrEpi Block |
| Conventional therapy (home exercise program and epicondylitis band)Standardized home exercise program given by the same physician: manual resistance strengthening (3 sets of 10 repetitions), static stretching of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (3 x 30 seconds before and after strengthening) and eccentric wrist exercises (3 sets of 10 repetitions, progressively increased resistance), performed once daily every day, plus use of an epicondylitis band. Participants will be followed by weekly phone calls. NSAIDs are not allowed during the first month; paracetamol is permitted for pain. | Other | Conventional Therapy, Conventional Therapy + Steroid Injection, Conventional Therapy + Steroid Injection + PCNF-BrEpi Block |
Primary outcome
Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE)
Time frame: At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment initiation
PRTEE is a patient-reported outcome measure used to assess pain and functional disability related to tennis elbow.
5 secondary outcomes
Visual Analog Scale
Time frame: At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment initiation
Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand(QuickDASH)
Time frame: At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment initiation
Common Extensor Tendon Thickness Measured by Ultrasonography
Time frame: At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment initiation
Hand Grip Strength Measured by Dynamometry
Time frame: At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment initiation
Global Rating of Treatment Outcome
Time frame: At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment initiation
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 26 Oct 2026.
- Background: PubMed 28390161Maida E, Chiavaras MM, Jelsing EJ, O'Driscoll SW, Pawlina W, Smith J. Sonographic Visualization of the Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of the Forearm: Technique and Validation Using Perineural Injections in a Cadaveric Model. J Ultrasound Med. 2017 Aug;36(8):1627-1637. doi: 10.7863/ultra.16.08027. Epub 2017 Apr 8.
- Background: PubMed 20411289Koldas Dogan S, Ay S, Evcik D, Baser O. Adaptation of Turkish version of the questionnaire Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH) in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Clin Rheumatol. 2011 Feb;30(2):185-91. doi: 10.1007/s10067-010-1470-y. Epub 2010 Apr 22.
- Background: PubMed 19707766Altan L, Ercan I, Konur S. Reliability and validity of Turkish version of the patient rated tennis elbow evaluation. Rheumatol Int. 2010 Jun;30(8):1049-54. doi: 10.1007/s00296-009-1101-6. Epub 2009 Aug 26.
- Background: PubMed 32682361Ozmen T, Koparal SS, Karatas O, Eser F, Ozkurt B, Gafuroglu TU. Comparison of the clinical and sonographic effects of ultrasound therapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, and Kinesio taping in lateral epicondylitis. Turk J Med Sci. 2021 Feb 26;51(1):76-83. doi: 10.3906/sag-2001-79.
- Background: PubMed 38939254Umapathy S, Miller M, Chen YT. Novel Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of the Epicondylar Branch of the Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of the Forearm for Recalcitrant Lateral Epicondylosis. Cureus. 2024 May 28;16(5):e61222. doi: 10.7759/cureus.61222. eCollection 2024 May.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared publicly due to patient confidentiality. Data may be made available by the corresponding author upon reasonable request, subject to ethics committee approval.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Ultrasound-guided triamcinolone injection, Ultrasound-guided PCNF-BrEpi block and Conventional therapy (home exercise program and epicondylitis band) in people with Lateral Epicondylitis, run by Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Education and Research Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Each site lists its own contact: choose the nearest one under Trial locations. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) (time frame: At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment initiation). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07894718, which also lists 5 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 Oct 2026.