Tennis Elbow – Efficacy of local Corticosteroid injection in its Management

Abstract

Background: Tennis elbow is a common clinical problem familiar to orthopaedic surgeons. Its etiology and management remains controversial, reflected by the fact that more often it runs a chronic course. This study was designed to know the effectiveness of a local corticosteroid injection in its management. Materials and Methods: sixty-eight patients (median age, 38 to 41 years), presenting with pain on the lateral side of the elbow for a duration of more than six weeks were enrolled for the study. Patients were consecutively allotted to treatment with corticosteroid injections (Group I, n = 34) or oral analgesics and physiotherapy (Group II, n = 34). Injection of 1 ml of triamcinolone acetonide (10 mg) mixed with 1 ml of 2% lidocaine were given at the site of maximum tenderness for patients in group I. Oral Acetaminophen (1000-2000 mg/day), Ibuprofen (800-1200 mg/day), Diclofenac (100-150 mg/day) or Physiotherapy and an exercise program were given to patients in group II. Results were evaluated based on severity of the elbow complaints, tenderness and cozen's test at six weeks follow-up and compared to the baseline clinical features at presentation. Results: The incidence was more in the third decade 35.3% (n=24), with female preponderance 64.7% (n=44) and the dominant arm being more commonly involved 55.9% (n=38). Excellent results were found in group I in n=19 (55.9%) whereas poor results were more in group II in n=20 (58.8%). Group I had poor result only in n=04 (11.8%) of patients who later underwent further surgical intervention. Conclusion: Local corticosteroid injections are the most effective treatment for tennis elbow at six weeks and cause early resolution of symptoms.

Allogeneic platelet-derived growth factors local injection in treatment of tennis elbow: a prospective randomized controlled study

“…However, the control group patients reported pain reduction and improved function over time. This might be due to the natural resolution of the symptoms (being essentially a self-limited disease) [36], placebo effect or the injection procedure which may be beneficial because of the bleeding from forcing fluid at high pressures through tissue planes during injection [14,37].…”

Prospective Randomized Evaluation of Local Injection of Allogeneic Growth Factors in Plantar Fasciitis

“…Moreover, the injection itself (irrespective of the injected material) may have beneficial effects in treating such a condition that resulted from the bleeding caused by forcing fluid through tissue planes. 3,19…”

“…Moreover, the injection itself (irrespective of the injected material) may have beneficial effects in treating such a condition that resulted from the bleeding caused by forcing fluid through tissue planes. 3,19 As GF injection is considered as a new treatment modality in plantar fasciitis, it is important to evaluate the cost of this modality in relation to other modalities. The cost of a single injection of L-GF vial was approximately $300.…”