Publication:

Comparison of efficacy of needling and a combination of needling and platelet rich plasma in relieving pain and improving function in patients of tennis elbow: a prospective, randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial

Background Lateral epicondylitis is a common musculoskeletal disorder for which an effective treatment strategy remains unknown. Aim of the study was to examine whether a single injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with needling is more effective than needling with placebo in reducing pain in adults with lateral epicondylitis. Study design used was randomized controlled trial.

Methods A total of 66 patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis were randomized (1:1) to receive either a blinded injection of PRP (group A) or saline (placebo) group B. The primary end point was a change in pain using the VAS and patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire. The secondary outcome being improvement in function (PRTEE scores).

Results The VAS score and PRTEE score improved significantly in both the groups at all 3 follow-up examinations. Group A had significantly better results than the group B.

Conclusions PRP injection are safe and effective management strategy for lateral epicondylitis