Results of Platelet Rich Plasma Injection in Chronic Lateral Humeral Epicondylar Tendinopathy

Abstract

Background: Lateral humeral epicondylitis or tennis elbow is one of the commonest causes of pain around elbow. Platelet rich plasma is a stimulant for repair in various tendinopathies. Previous studies have suggested platelet rich plasma as a safe & effective treatment option in tennis elbow. Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy in terms of relief of pain& functional improvement after PRP injection in patients with chronic tennis elbow. Materials & Method: The trial was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in 70 patients over a period of 2 years.3ml of PRP was injected in & around the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis. Pain relief & functional improvement were assessed using visual analogue scale q-DASH scale at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months & 1 year. Results: The mean Nirshl pain score & q-DASH started improving after 02 weeks but significant improvement was seen after 3 months & pain decreased continuously for up to 1 year (p<0.0001). Conclusion: PRP offers a significant pain relief & functional improvement from 3 months to 1 year after injection. Keywords: Lateral epicondylar tendinopathy, platelet rich plasma