H M Naveena, R Manjunatha, Salwan Ankur
Orthopedics, Subbaiah Medical College and Hospital and Research Centre, Molecular Biology Virology Laboratory, Shivamogga, IND.
Orthopedics, M. S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bengaluru, IND.
Cureus. 2024 Oct 1;16(10):e70590. doi: 10.7759/cureus.70590. eCollection 2024 Oct.
Background Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is a degenerative condition that affects a significant portion of the adult population, particularly those between the ages of 35 and 55. Conventional treatments, including analgesics, physiotherapy, and bracing, often lead to a high recurrence rate. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a promising alternative, offering regenerative benefits that may enhance tissue healing. This study evaluates the effectiveness of PRP injections compared to traditional conservative therapies in alleviating pain and improving function in individuals with chronic lateral epicondylitis. Methods This prospective observational study was conducted at Father Muller Medical College Hospital from April 2018 to August 2019. A total of 44 patients aged 18-60 years with chronic lateral epicondylitis were randomly assigned to two groups: PRP (n = 22) and conservative treatment (n = 22). The conservative group received a combination of physiotherapy, analgesics, and a counterforce brace. The primary outcome was measured using the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) score, assessed at baseline, four weeks, eight weeks, three months, and six months. The PRTEE score includes pain and function subscales. Data was analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, and significance was considered at p < 0.05. Results Both groups significantly improved pain and function during the first eight weeks. However, the PRP group demonstrated superior long-term outcomes. At three and six months, the PRP group had significantly lower pain scores (26.00 ± 3.55 and 19.55 ± 3.33, respectively, p < 0.001) compared to the conservative group (32.23 ± 3.75 and 33.64 ± 3.63). Similarly, the PRP group showed better functional improvement at six months (PRTEE function subscale: 20.00 ± 3.19 in PRP vs. 30.73 ± 4.11 in conservative, p < 0.001). No complications were reported in either group. Conclusions PRP injections provide superior long-term pain relief and functional recovery compared to conservative management in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis. While conservative treatments are effective in the short term, PRP offers a more durable solution with no reported complications. These findings support the use of PRP as a viable alternative for the long-term management of lateral epicondylitis.
外侧上髁炎，又称网球肘，是一种退行性疾病，影响着相当一部分成年人群，尤其是35至55岁之间的人群。传统治疗方法，包括使用镇痛药、物理治疗和佩戴支具，往往导致高复发率。富血小板血浆（PRP）疗法已成为一种有前景的替代方法，具有促进组织愈合的再生益处。本研究评估了PRP注射与传统保守疗法相比，在缓解慢性外侧上髁炎患者疼痛和改善功能方面的有效性。
这项前瞻性观察性研究于2018年4月至2019年8月在法勒穆勒医学院医院进行。共有44名年龄在18至60岁的慢性外侧上髁炎患者被随机分为两组：PRP组（n = 22）和保守治疗组（n = 22）。保守治疗组接受物理治疗、镇痛药和反作用力支具的联合治疗。主要结局指标采用患者自评网球肘评估（PRTEE）评分，在基线、四周、八周、三个月和六个月时进行评估。PRTEE评分包括疼痛和功能子量表。使用适当的统计方法对数据进行分析，p < 0.05被认为具有统计学意义。
两组在前八周内疼痛和功能均有显著改善。然而，PRP组显示出更好的长期结局。在三个月和六个月时，PRP组的疼痛评分（分别为26.00 ± 3.55和19.55 ± 3.33，p < 0.001）显著低于保守治疗组（32.23 ± 3.75和33.64 ± 3.63）。同样，PRP组在六个月时功能改善更好（PRTEE功能子量表：PRP组为20.00 ± 3.19，保守治疗组为30.73 ± 4.11，p < 0.001）。两组均未报告并发症。
与慢性外侧上髁炎患者的保守治疗相比，PRP注射提供了更好的长期疼痛缓解和功能恢复。虽然保守治疗在短期内有效，但PRP提供了更持久的解决方案，且未报告并发症。这些发现支持将PRP作为外侧上髁炎长期管理的一种可行替代方法。
