Comparison of steroid injection vs platelet rich plasma injection in the treatment of de-quervain tenosynovitis

Abstract

Introduction: De Quervains disease is a chronic inflammation of tendons of abductor pollicis longus (APL) and the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) as they pass through 1st dorsal extensor compartment of wrist. Aim of the study is to compare the functional outcome between PRP (Platelet rich plasma) vs Steroid injections in the management of this pathology. Methods: This was a prospective study of 30 patients with de quervains tenosynovitis and study conducted between September 2021 to November 2021 for a period of 3 months follow up done. The present study included 30 patients of both sexes, different age groups associated with co-morbidities divided into two groups. Group I received CS injection, and group II received PRP injection. Results: The average age of patients in Category I was 37 years and in category II was 37 years. A statistical difference was seen in VAS on comparing the baseline evaluation with the results after 1 month of injection administration. It was found that there was more depletion in VAS score in Category I (2.33%) after one month of injection whereas Category II showed an initial low depletion rate after one month (2.86%) followed by a steady decline rate after 3 months. A similar difference was reflected on using the Quick DASH score in which Category I projected a greater improvement after one month of injection use whereas Category II projected a steady improvement rate after 3 months of injection use. Conclusion: PRP for De Quervains tenosynovitis can be used as a 2nd line of management instead of steroid as PRP has better functional outcome and lesser complications as compared to steroid therapy.