A short-term comparative analysis of the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma therapy and corticosteroid injection in lateral epicondylitis

Abstract

Background: Tennis Elbow, a common overuse syndrome, is a tendonitis of the extensor muscles of the forearm mainly due to intratendinous degeneration associated with aging, repetitive movement, and vascular compromise. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections represent a new therapeutic option for chronic tendinopathies including tennis elbow. The purpose of the present study was to assess the therapeutic effect, efficacy, and safety of a single injection of PRP and corticosteroid in improving pain and function in patients suffering from lateral epicondylitis over a short term. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with lateral epicondylitis were randomized into two groups to receive one injection of PRP or corticosteroid and were followed for 3 months. The two groups were compared as regards pain and functional improvement using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) Score, by assessing the patients three times postintervention. Results: VAS scale showed that both modalities were effective in pain reduction. PRTEE score represented variably improved symptoms, i.e., decrease in pain and better function along with improvement in daily activity after 3 months in both groups. Conclusion: As the degree of pain relief achieved by the respective modalities was almost similar, the most important difference between the intervention groups was the duration of their effectiveness. PRP is suggested to be superior in the duration of pain relief when compared to corticosteroids. We can propose that PRP can be administered less often and more conveniently as compared to corticosteroid for lateral epicondylitis.