A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) vs. Other Conservative Treatments for Lateral Epicondylitis.

Abstract

Background Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is a degenerative condition that affects a significant portion of the adult population, particularly those between the ages of 35 and 55. Conventional treatments, including analgesics, physiotherapy, and bracing, often lead to a high recurrence rate. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a promising alternative, offering regenerative benefits that may enhance tissue healing. This study evaluates the effectiveness of PRP injections compared to traditional conservative therapies in alleviating pain and improving function in individuals with chronic lateral epicondylitis. Methods This prospective observational study was conducted at Father Muller Medical College Hospital from April 2018 to August 2019. A total of 44 patients aged 18-60 years with chronic lateral epicondylitis were randomly assigned to two groups: PRP (n = 22) and conservative treatment (n = 22). The conservative group received a combination of physiotherapy, analgesics, and a counterforce brace. The primary outcome was measured using the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) score, assessed at baseline, four weeks, eight weeks, three months, and six months. The PRTEE score includes pain and function subscales. Data was analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, and significance was considered at p < 0.05. Results Both groups significantly improved pain and function during the first eight weeks. However, the PRP group demonstrated superior long-term outcomes. At three and six months, the PRP group had significantly lower pain scores (26.00 ± 3.55 and 19.55 ± 3.33, respectively, p < 0.001) compared to the conservative group (32.23 ± 3.75 and 33.64 ± 3.63). Similarly, the PRP group showed better functional improvement at six months (PRTEE function subscale: 20.00 ± 3.19 in PRP vs. 30.73 ± 4.11 in conservative, p < 0.001). No complications were reported in either group. Conclusions PRP injections provide superior long-term pain relief and functional recovery compared to conservative management in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis. While conservative treatments are effective in the short term, PRP offers a more durable solution with no reported complications. These findings support the use of PRP as a viable alternative for the long-term management of lateral epicondylitis.