To compare the efficacy of local corticosteroid injections and autologous blood injections in patients presenting with lateral epicondylitis

Abstract

Background: The present study was conducted to compare the efficacy of local corticosteroid injections and autologous blood injections in producing analgesia in patients presenting with lateral epicondylitis. Materials & Methods:The present study was conducted on 40 adult patients of either sex presenting to the OPD with the complaint of pain on lateral aspect of elbow. Patients were divided into 2 groups of 20 each. Patients of group I was given local steroid injections as a single dose of 40 mg methylprednisolone mixed with 2 cc of 2% lignocaine, 3 such dosages was given at intervals of two weeks. Patients of group II received autologous blood injections 2 cc of autologous blood was drawn from the ipsilateral upper extremity and mixed with 1cc of 2% lignocaine. Pain was assessed as per VAS scale. Results: Thirty-seven (92.5%) patients showed involvement of right elbow and only 3 (7.5%) of left elbow. All patients showed involvement of their dominant side. The 40 patients enrolled in the study presented with insidious onset of pain and tenderness over lateral epicondyle of humerus. Amongst them, 30 patients had pain only localized to lateral epicondyle, while 10 complained of pain radiating down the forearm. Conclusion:Corticosteroid injection was more effective over the immediate follow-up period than autologous blood injection in improving pain and function but over long term autologous blood injection scores over corticosteroid injection. It is recommended as a first-line injection treatment because it is simple, cheap, and effective.