Bilateral Myofascial Trigger Points in the Forearm Muscles in Patients With Chronic Unilateral Lateral Epicondylalgia: A Blinded, Controlled Study

OBJECTIVEThe aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of active and latent muscle trigger points (TrPs) in the forearm musculature on both affected and unaffected sides in patients with lateral epicondylalgia (LE) and healthy controls. METHODSTwenty-five patients with LE and 20 healthy matched controls participated. Both groups were examined for the presence of TrPs in the extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor digitorum communis, and brachioradialis muscles in a blinded fashion. TrPs were identified in both affected and unaffected sides within the patient group. In the control group, TrPs were explored around the dominant side. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were assessed on both affected and unaffected arms. RESULTSIn the patient group, the number of active muscle TrPs in the affected side was 3.1 [95% confidence interval (CI)2.8-3.4], whereas in the unaffected arm, only latent TrPs were found (mean2.2; 95% CI1.8-2.6). Active TrPs were only located on the affected side (P