Functional Outcomes of Leukocyte Poor Platelet-rich Plasma Injection in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis of the Elbow.

BACKGROUND

Tennis elbow is common in female elderly patients due to overuse of the forearm and wrist extensors. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a safe, noninvasive modality by which growth factors are produced from platelet concentrates, which helps in the regeneration of damaged tendons.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This prospective observational study assessed leukocyte-poor PRP for lateral epicondylitis in 50 patients unresponsive to conservative treatment. PRP was prepared using a standardized protocol and injected under aseptic conditions. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, three and 6 months using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and patient-related tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) for function.

RESULTS

The mean VAS score improved from 8.8 to 1.7, and the mean PRTEE score improved from 74 to 12.

CONCLUSION

Leukocyte poor PRP injection is a minimally invasive, effective and safe outpatient procedure in treating tennis elbow patients with severe pain. Who do not respond to the conservative method.