Treatment of Refractory Lateral Epicondylitis with Platelet-Rich Plasma

Abstract

Purpose:To evaluate clinical results of a single percutaneous injection of platelet-rich plasma in patients with refractory lateral epicondylitis. Materials and Methods: Between Jan and Dec 2009, fifteen patients (5 male, 10 female) received a diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis of the elbow and were evaluated in this study. Their average age was 43.5 years. All patients were initially given a variety of non-surgical treatments for more than 1year. All patients were considering surgery. These patients were given a single percutaneous injection of 3cc of platelet-rich plasma. To assess pain, we used a visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest and during work & the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) score. We compared the score before treatment with scores 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. Results: Average VAS scores at rest improved from 4.6 before treatment to 2.5 at week 4, and 1.8 at week 12. The average VAS score while working also improved from 7.8 before treatment to 6.2 at week 4, and 4.25 at week 12. The average PRTEE score improved from 60.13 before treatment to 46.12 at week 4 and 24.6 at week 12. Conclusion: Treatment using a single percutaneous injection of platelet-rich plasma in patients with refractory lateral epicondylitis appears to be an effective treatment modality. Platelet-rich plasma should be considered before surgical intervention.

Effect of Eight Vacuity Theory Adopted Complex Acupuncture Therapy on Patients with External Epicondylitis

“…이 질환은 전완 상부와 팔꿈치 통증의 흔한 원인이며, 30~60세 사이에 가장 흔 하고, 이중에서도 40대의 발병률이 가장 높다 2) . 또 원인 및 병리에 대해서는 명확히 밝혀지지 않았지만, 반복적인 물리적 부하와 비정상적인 미세혈관 반응의 조합으로 주 관절 외측 상과염이 유발되며 이러한 이유로 주관절 외측 상과염은 퇴행성 변화라는 주장이 있다 3) .…”

A Case Study of 20 Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis of the Elbow by Using Hwachim (Burning Acupuncture Therapy) and Sweet Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture

“…Lateral epicondylitis, also known as “Tennis Elbow”, is one of the most common diseases of elbow that has, as a cardinal symptom, tenderness and pain when using the extensor muscles of wrist repetitively [1]. It usually occurs at an age from 35 to 50, but it can occur at an age from 12 to 80.…”