EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF CORTICOSTEROID, PLATELET-RICH PLASMA, AND AUTOLOGOUS BLOOD INJECTIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS: A RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL
Main Article Content
Keywords
Corticosteroid Injection, Grip Strength, Lateral Epicondylitis, Platelet-Rich Plasma
Abstract
Background: Lateral epicondylitis is a common musculoskeletal disorder that affects a significant proportion of the adult population. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of corticosteroid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and autologous blood injections in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.
Methods: A randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 54 patients diagnosed with unilateral chronic lateral epicondylitis. Participants were randomly allocated to three treatment groups: corticosteroid and local anesthetic, PRP, and autologous blood. Pain, function, and grip strength were assessed using a visual analogue scale, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, and dynamometer testing at baseline and 1, 2, 4, 12, and 24 weeks post-injection.
Results: All treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain, function, and grip strength from baseline. The corticosteroid group showed the most rapid improvement at 4 weeks, while the PRP group exhibited the greatest long-term benefits at 12 and 24 weeks. The autologous blood group had outcomes similar to the PRP group, but with a lower magnitude of improvement. Adverse events were minor and transient, with no serious complications reported.
Conclusion: PRP and autologous blood injections provided more sustained long-term benefits in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis compared to corticosteroids. While corticosteroids offered rapid short-term relief, PRP and autologous blood injections resulted in superior pain reduction, functional improvement, and patient satisfaction at 12 and 24 weeks post-injection. These findings support the use of PRP and autologous blood injections as effective and safe treatment options for chronic lateral epicondylitis.
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