Original Articles
Assessment of functional outcomes for lateral epicondylitis treated with PRP injections in a tertiary care centre- A descriptive study | |
Dr. Aby Joseph, Dr. Cherian Jacob, Dr. Hany Hameed | |
Background: Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, results from repetitive and forceful wrist extension, leading to degeneration of the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis tendon. Current treatment methods focus on symptomatic relief, including rest, physiotherapy, NSAIDs, and corticosteroid injections. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, containing concentrated healing factors, offer a potential for actual tendon healing rather than mere symptom alleviation. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted on 45 patients with lateral epicondylitis treated with intralesional PRP injections. Patients were evaluated at Dr. Somervell Memorial CSI Medical College from December 1, 2016, to October 31, 2018. Functional outcomes were assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and qDASH scores. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the success rate of PRP treatment. Results: Our study involved participants aged 31-64 years (mean age: 44.9±8.0 years), with more females (53.3%) than males (46.7%) surveyed, and 66.7% reporting right-side affection. Treatment significantly reduced Quick DASH scores from 43.6 (SD = 21.9) to 22.9 (SD = 13.3), a 47.7% decrease (t = 9.467, p < 0.001), and VAS scores improved from a median of 8 (IQR: 6.5 - 9) to 4 (IQR: 3 - 5) after treatment (z = 5.742, p < 0.001). Additionally, 80% of patients achieved satisfactory functional outcomes, and 86.7% experienced successful results with PRP treatment, evidenced by ≥25% reduction in VAS scores. Conclusion: Intralesional PRP injections offer promising treatment for lateral epicondylitis, with good functional outcomes in most patients. This study highlights PRP's potential for promoting tendon healing, contrasting with traditional symptom-focused methods. |
|
Html View | Download PDF | Current Issue |
IJLBPR
322 Parlount Road Slough Berkshire SL3 8AX, UK
ijlbpr@gmail.com
© IJLBPR. All Rights Reserved.