Ultrasound Guided Injection of Collagen for Elbow Lateral Epicondylitis - A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Regenerative Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Imaging

Background:

• Lateral epicondylitis (LE), or tennis elbow, is a common overuse injury affecting the common extensor tendon (CET).
• Existing treatments like NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and physiotherapy offer variable efficacy and potential side effects.
• Collagen peptides are emerging as a novel therapeutic option due to their regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided low-molecular-weight peptide (LWP) injections for LE with partial CET tears.
• To evaluate pain reduction and structural tendon healing following collagen peptide therapy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 13 patients with persistent LE and partial CET tears.
• Two ultrasound-guided collagen peptide injections administered at baseline and two weeks.
• Pain assessed via Numeric Rating Scale (NRS); tendon structure evaluated using grayscale and Power Doppler ultrasound.

Main Results:

• Significant pain reduction observed within three days (mean NRS 7.5 to 4.8) and sustained at one month (NRS 2.5).
• Reduced Power Doppler signal indicated decreased inflammation.
• Tendon lesions resolved in 8/13 patients and reduced in size in 3; only two patients reported mild, transient pain.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound-guided collagen peptide injections demonstrate safety and efficacy in treating lateral epicondylitis.
• The therapy provides substantial pain relief and promotes tendon healing.
• Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm long-term outcomes and clinical utility.