Treatment of tennis elbow using platelet rich plasma (PRP) resulted in an average of 83% improvement in pain scores at one year compared to baseline in a recently published study of 110 patients by Karaduman et al. The surgery group had 46% improvement in pain scores. Mayo elbow scores were also higher in the PRP group. (See graphs below)
The study used the Biomet GPS PRP device and the Nirschl surgical technique
This is an interesting study comparing the value of PRP versus a commonly recommended surgical procedure. The data suggest PRP is a safe and effective alternative to the much more invasive and expensive surgical procedure.
See abstract and reference below:
Karaduman et el 2016
Abstract
Purpose
To compare short and mid-term results in the treatment of chronic elbow tendinosis with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or Nirschl surgical technique.
Method
A retrospective study was conducted on patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis, treated by Nirschl surgical technique (50 elbows) or PRP (60 elbows). Outcome was evaluated with Visual Analog Score (VAS), Mayo Elbow Scores and grip strength measurements.
Results
VAS and Mayo Elbow Scores of the PRP group had improved as a mean of 83% (p = 0.0001), 74% (p = 0.0001) over baseline and 34.2 pounds gain of grip strength.
Conclusion
The PRP seems to be better for pain relief and functionality in the short and mid-term periods.
Keywords
- Nirschl surgical technique;
- Platelet rich plasma (PRP);
- Chronic elbow tendinosis
