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Research Journal of Medical Sciences

ISSN: Online 1993-6095
ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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A Study on the Role of Autologous Platelet‐Rich Plasma as a Treatment Modality in Lateral Epicondylitis and its Functional Outcome

Naikal Frank David, T. Zeeshan Muzahid, P. Raja Sekhar, B. Sreekanth Rao and G.V.S. Moorthy
Page: 195-199 | Received 26 Nov 2024, Published online: 20 Jan 2025

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https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2025.2.195.199

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Abstract

Lateral epicondylitis, commonly referred to as tennis elbow, is a common musculoskeletal condition of the elbow that results from overuse‐related tendon micro tears, causing pain and functional impairment. Traditional treatments, such as corticosteroids, are still inconsistent in long‐term efficacy. Autologous platelet‐rich plasma preparation rich in growth factors that enhance tendon healing and regeneration has emerged as a new therapeutic option. This study will find out whether PRP therapy is effective in improving pain and functionality among patients with lateral epicondylitis. This is a prospective study that involves 50 patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis in Bhaskar Medical College Hospital from September 2019 to March 2021. Single injection of prepared autologous PRP, 3‐4ml, was given under ultrasound‐guided centrifugation. The outcomes were measured in terms of the level of pain, according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and functionality was measured by using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores at baseline and 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment. Data analysis comprised descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation to assess the relationship between the reduction of pain and functional improvement. Overall, as reflected by this six‐month follow‐up, there was an evident great improvement in the level of pain and function of the shoulder joint. Mean VAS score went down from 72.06 at baseline to 47.83 at 1 month, 38.33 at 3 months and to 27.29 at 6 months. There was similar improvement of DASH mean scores from 66.26 at baseline, down to 42.53 at 1 month, down further to 33.13 at 3 months and further reduction to 20.08 at 6 months. Changes in VAS and DASH scores showed significant improvement, at p<0.001. A positive correlation of moderate degree, r=0.504 and p<0.001, between pain reduction and functional improvement points to the consistency of the therapeutic effect. These findings support the potential of PRP therapy in maintaining symptom relief with better functional recovery. These results confirm that intraarticular, autologous PRP effectively reduces pain and improves function over six months in lateral epicondylitis treatment, with a moderate correlation between pain relief and functional improvements, validating PRP's holistic benefits. Considering promising baseline results and variations in PRP preparation and methodologies, studies are needed to establish standardization. Larger randomized controlled trials are required to validate these findings and optimize PRP protocols for broader clinical use in tendinopathy management.

How to cite this article:

Naikal Frank David, T. Zeeshan Muzahid, P. Raja Sekhar, B. Sreekanth Rao and G.V.S. Moorthy. A Study on the Role of Autologous Platelet‐Rich Plasma as a Treatment Modality in Lateral Epicondylitis and its Functional Outcome.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2025.2.195.199
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2025.2.195.199