Comparison of steroid injection vs platelet rich plasma injection in the treatment of de-quervain tenosynovitis

Abstract

Introduction: De Quervains disease is a chronic inflammation of tendons of abductor pollicis longus (APL) and the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) as they pass through 1 st dorsal extensor compartment of wrist. Aim of the study is to compare the functional outcome between PRP (Platelet rich plasma) vs Steroid injections in the management of this pathology. Methods: This was a prospective study of 30 patients with de quervains tenosynovitis and study conducted between September 2021 to November 2021 for a period of 3 months follow up done. The present study included 30 patients of both sexes, different age groups associated with co-morbidities divided into two groups. Group I received CS injection, and group II received PRP injection. Results: The average age of patients in Category I was 37 years and in category II was 37 years. A statistical difference was seen in VAS on comparing the baseline evaluation with the results after 1 month of injection administration. It was found that there was more depletion in VAS score in Category I (2.33%) after one month of injection whereas Category II showed an initial low depletion rate after one month (2.86%) followed by a steady decline rate after 3 months. A similar difference was reflected on using the Quick DASH score in which Category I projected a greater improvement after one month of injection use whereas Category II projected a steady improvement rate after 3 months of injection use. Conclusion: PRP for De Quervains tenosynovitis can be used as a 2nd line of management instead of steroid as PRP has better functional outcome and lesser complications as compared to steroid therapy.