Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in the Management of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Retrospective Assessment

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in managing lateral epicondylitis (LE), focusing on pain relief, functional improvement, side effects, and patient satisfaction.

A retrospective analysis of 19 patients treated with PRP injections at a tertiary care center was conducted. Data included demographic characteristics, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores, and patient satisfaction. Statistical analyses utilized paired t-tests and one-sample proportion tests. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

PRP injections significantly reduced VAS pain scores, with 21.05% (4/19) of patients achieving complete pain relief (VAS=0) and 47.37% (9/19) reducing scores to ≤3 (p=0.027). DASH scores improved substantially, with mean scores decreasing from 87.5% (19/19) (95% CI: 82.3-92.7%) pre-treatment to 18.5% (19/19) (95% CI: 12.7-24.3%) post-treatment (p<0.001). Prior corticosteroid use was associated with poorer outcomes (p=0.012). Patient satisfaction was high, with 89.5% (16/19) of patients reporting being "very satisfied" or "satisfied" (p=0.001).

PRP injections offer significant pain relief and functional improvement for patients with LE. This minimally invasive treatment is particularly valuable for high-demand populations, such as professional athletes, due to faster recovery times and reduced need for surgery. However, high patient satisfaction rates underscore its clinical utility. Prospective studies with larger cohorts are needed to further validate these findings and refine PRP protocols.