Role of platelet rich plasma in chronic tennis elbow

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic tennis elbow is a common problem, for which current available treatments are often unsatisfactory. Biologic therapies, such as platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections, aimed at stimulating healing of degenerative tendons by releasing growth factors, have shown promise in vitro study but clinical research is limited. The objective of present study is to study the efficacy of platelet rich plasma in chronic tennis elbow, and to evaluate the outcomes of this recent modality of treatment for chronic tennis elbow. Materials and Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with chronic tennis elbow and undergone conservative treatment for at least 3 months but not improved were included in the study after obtaining written informed consent. After preparation of PRP by centrifugation, the injection was given under ultrasonography (USG) guidance at the site of tendinopathy within 4 hours of preparation. The patients were evaluated by visual analogue score (VAS) and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) at 4,8,12 weeks and 6 months and at 1 year. Result: 30 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study and treated with PRP. Majority of them showed significant improvement in terms of VAS and MEPS scores as well as were able to return to work at 12 weeks of follow up. Conclusion: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may represent a therapeutic option for chronic tennis elbow. Thus, future research should focus on identifying proper treatment time, optimal dosage and ideal PRP concentration.