Comparative Study of Efficacy Between Platelet-Rich Plasma vs Corticosteroid Injection in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis

Abdul Qadeer Khan  Sadiq; Fahad  Hassan; Asif  Ali; Nadeem  Hassan; Najmuddin  Fazlani; Nayab  Samar

doi:10.29054/apmc/2023.1217

Abdul Qadeer Khan Sadiq Orthopaedic Surgeon, Primary and Secondary Health care Department, KPK Pakistan
Fahad Hassan Medical Officer, Primary & Secondary Health Care Department, Punjab Pakistan
Asif Ali Orthopaedic Surgeon, Department of Orthopaedic, Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad
Nadeem Hassan Orthopaedic Surgeon, Pakistan Institute of Medical Science, Islamabad Pakistan
Najmuddin Fazlani Senior Registrar, Department of Orthopaedic surgery, BMC, LUMHS/Jamshoro, Pakistan
Nayab Samar FCPS, Department of Plastic Surgery, DUHS Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2023.1217

Keywords: Lateral epicondylitis, Platelet rich plasma, Steroids

Abstract

Background: Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as "tennis elbow," is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the outer part of the elbow. Managing lateral epicondylitis is essential to relieve discomfort and improve the patient's quality of life. Various treatment options are available for lateral epicondylitis, including Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and corticosteroid injections. The technique if proved better in pain control would be later on preferred as it will contribute significantly to reduce indoor patient burden, earlier recovery of patients and to their overall satisfaction. Objective: To assess and comparative effectiveness of corticosteroid injections with platelet-rich plasma injections in the management of lateral epicondylitis. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial (RCT). Settings: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, PIMS, Islamabad Pakistan. Duration: From December 2019 to May 2020. Methods: Overall, 162 adult patients having clinical features of chronic lateral epicondylitis unilateral/bilateral not responding to conservative management of either gender with age between 18-60 years were included. Patients were randomly assigned into two intervention groups. Patients of Group A underwent local steroid injections, while Group B received platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Patients of the PRP group, were administered 2 mL of PRP, derived from their own blood, at the most sensitive spot on the lateral epicondyle. Patients of the steroid group, were given 2 mL of methylprednisolone (40 mg/mL). Following the injections, patients were instructed to rest for 15 minutes and advised against massaging the treated area. VAS score was calculated at baseline before giving treatment in both groups and was subsequently assessed at 6^th week, 3^rd month and 6^th month post therapy. VAS score was compared in both groups at different time intervals using student-t test for independent samples. Results: Mean age in group A was 47.4 ± 7.5 years and in group B was 48.1 ± 8.2 years. In group A, 56.8% of the participants were males, and 43.2% were females, whereas in group B, 54.3% were males, and 45.6% were females. Baseline average score of VAS was almost equal among both groups at baseline (7.69 ± 1.03 and 7.74 ± 1.06) in group A and B respectively. At 6^th weeks, average score of VAS in steroid group was 3.7 ± 1.79 and in PRP group was 3.23 ± 2.05 (P=0.440). At 3 months, average score of VAS in steroid group was 2.73 ± 1.48 and it was 2.53 ± 1.82 SD in PRP group (P=0.451). At 6 months, VAS average score was noted significantly decreased 2.11±1.29 compared to steroid group was 4.83 ± 2.11 (P=0.001). Conclusion: The study revealed that PRP injections are more effective than local steroid injections for chronic lateral epicondylitis. Initial VAS scores were similar for both treatments up to three months, but PRP showed significantly better results at the 6-month follow-up, indicating its long-term effectiveness.