A Comparative Study to Evaluate the Short Term and Long Term Efficacy of Platelet- Rich Plasma and Corticosteroid (Methyl- Prednisolone) In The Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis

Abstract

Introduction: Lateral epicondylitis or Tennis elbow is the most commonly diagnosed condition of the elbow(1) whose prevalence in the general population is about 1-3%(2).It ismostly attributed to over use of wrist extensors and supinator muscles and eccentric loading.Platelet rich plasma( PRP) offers a new option for the treatment of tennis elbow.This study was conducted with an aim to compare the efficacy of PRP Versus Corticosteroid (Methyl Prednisolone) injection in patients with tennis elbow. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted between 2013 and 2015.The patients who presented to the orthopaedics OPD in AarupadaiVeedu Medical College and Hospital, Puducherrywith complaints of elbow pain were assessed and enrolled into the trial once the diagnosis wasconfirmed and proper consent was obtained from the patient.Out of 67 patients that reported to orthopedics OPD 19 were rejected as they fell into the exclusioncriteria. 48 patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were enrolled for the study randomly into either Group A (Platelet Rich Plasma) or Group B (Corticosteroid) with a follow up period of 6 months.Results:The values of Mean VAS Score were significantly higher at the time of presentation tothe time of last follow up with significant improvement inGroup A.Though the values of Mean qDASH Score were similar at time of presentation thereis considerable improvement at the final follow up in Group A. Mean quick disability of arm, shoulder and hand score at the time of final follow up were better in Group A.Conclusion: The results revealed that the long term efficacy of platelet rich plasma treatment is better when compared to corticosteroid treatment for lateral epicondylitis.Therefore, it is concluded that Platelet Rich Plasma local infiltration is the superior treatment option in lateral epicondylitis.

Keywords: Platelet rich plasma, Corticosteroid (methyl prednisolone).