Abstract
ObjectiveUltrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, as well as needle tenotomy, are becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of epicondylitis. Whether ultrasound (US) findings predict the clinical benefit of these techniques is unclear at the moment. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence of tendon tear assessed by US and the therapeutic response of the PRP injection following needle microtenotomy in patients with epicondylitis.MethodologyThis is a retrospective observational study. Twenty-six patients with chronic (>three months) lateral epicondylitis recalcitrant to conservative treatment or corticosteroid injection. Patients underwent US-guided microtenotomy followed by PRP injection. Data regarding gender, age, US findings at baseline, and numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) scores before and after intervention were collected. Pain improvement rates were calculated at several follow-up time points, namely one, three, six, and 12 months post-intervention. Results are stated as mean ± standard deviation.ResultsAt the time of intervention, the mean age was 47.6±6.5 years, and 57.7% of patients were men. Overall, the mean initial NPRS score was 7.5±1.2, and there were no statistically significant differences in mean initial NPRS scores between the groups with or without tendon tear on the US imaging. The mean improvement rate at one, three, and six months was similar between patients with and without tendon tear. However, a statistically significant difference was observed at 12 months (73.1±37.6% vs. 16.0±21.9, p=0.029). ConclusionsPatients with tendon tear demonstrated a higher pain improvement rate at 12 months follow-up. This finding could predict the clinical response to this technique, thus allowing a better selection of the candidates.
Highlights
The mean improvement rate at one, three, and six months was similar between patients with and without tendon tear
Lateral humeral epicondylitis is a common source of lateral elbow pain, which was first described by Runge in 1873, and is generally accepted as a condition related to repetitive microtrauma [1,2]
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence of tendon tear assessed by ultrasound (US) and the therapeutic response of the US-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection following needle tenotomy in patients with epicondylopathy
Summary
Lateral humeral epicondylitis is a common source of lateral elbow pain, which was first described by Runge in 1873, and is generally accepted as a condition related to repetitive microtrauma [1,2]. Several therapeutic strategies have been described, namely analgesic drugs, physiotherapy, elbow supports, shockwave therapy, corticosteroid injections, acupuncture, and surgery. There is still no generally accepted treatment, and the more is known about its pathophysiology, the more treatments that stimulate. How to cite this article Martins J, Neto I S, Gonçalves A F, et al (February 21, 2022) Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Associated With Microtenotomy in Lateral Epicondylitis – is a Tendon Tear Associated with the Therapeutic Response?.
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