Low level laser is one of the relatively new therapeutic modalities being used in physical medicine. However, its efficacy as a therapeutic tool is controversial. The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of low level laser therapy using ultrasonography for assessment in de Quervains tenosynovitis. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 30 limbs (28 patients) with de Quervains tenosynovitis. Fifteen limbs received the placebo treatment and 15 received a maximum of ten laser applications. The area to be treated was divided into a grid of approximately 1 cm squares, and a dosage of 2 to 4 joules/cm2 with continuous output of 100% was given. The placebo group followed the same protocol but with the laser switched off. Pre- and post-treatment grip strength, pinch strength, ultrasonographic measurement of antero-posterior and medio-lateral diameters of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis within the sheath in transverse section were measured. The placebo group showed no improvement. A significant increase in grip (p < 0.001) and pinch strength (p = 0.0241 and significant decrease in antero-posterior (p = 0.011) and medio-lateral (p < 0.001) diameters of tendon sheaths occurred in the laser therapy group.

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