Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Autologous Whole Blood for the Treatment of Chronic Lateral Elbow Epicondylitis

Abstract

Regarding pain reduction, PRP treatment seems to be an effective treatment for chronic lateral elbow epicondylitis and superior to autologous blood in the short term. Defining details of indications, best PRP concentration, number and time of injections, as well as rehabilitation protocol might increase the method's effectiveness. Additionally, the possibility of cost reduction of the method might justify the use of PRP over autologous whole blood for chronic or refractory tennis elbow.

A randomized study of autologous conditioned plasma and steroid injections in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis

“…The same group also demonstrate a reduction in the thickness of the tendon as well as the doppler activity of the USG evaluation. Thanasas et al compare treatment using platelet-rich plasma and normal blood from a patient [9]. They examined two groups of 14 patients after six weeks, three months and six months after administration of preparations on the basis of the VAS scale and the Liverpool Elbow Score.…”

Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapies in Lateral Epicondylitis: Are we Asking the Right Questions?

“…Significant differences have been demonstrated between the White Blood Cell (WBC) and growth factor levels produced using various commercial PRP separation systems [13,14]. Studies have differed in the quantities of PRP injected (ranging from 1.5 mL to 3.5 mL), either alone or in combination with variable amounts of local anaesthetic and/or epinephrine [15][16][17][18][19]. The number of injections given and time intervals between injections also varies between studies.…”

“…Some authors argue that higher WBC concentrations may provide antimicrobial action and increase the concentrations of growth factors present [21]. Others have argued that WBC contamination will augment inflammation and pain and further impede tissue healing [19]. No consensus has been established within the literature on the subject.…”

Bench to Bedside: Platelet-rich Plasma—How Do We Adequately “Untranslate” Translational “Breakthroughs” in an After-market Setting?

“…However, even for this indication, another study found essentially no differences between PRP injection and injection with whole blood, essentially a placebo given the purported mechanism of effect and critical concentrations of proteins in PRP [14]. This suggests that the problem may be no benefit, or even harm, from corticosteroids [4], rather than a boost from PRP.…”