Autologous Blood and Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis

James H Calandruccio; Murphy M Steiner

doi:10.1016/j.ocl.2017.03.011

Autologous Blood and Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis

Orthop Clin North Am. 2017 Jul;48(3):351-357. doi: 10.1016/j.ocl.2017.03.011.

Authors

James H Calandruccio¹, Murphy M Steiner²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic, 1211 Union Avenue, Suite 510, Memphis, TN 38104, USA.
² Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic, 1211 Union Avenue, Suite 510, Memphis, TN 38104, USA. Electronic address: murphysteiner@gmail.com.

PMID: 28577784
DOI: 10.1016/j.ocl.2017.03.011

Abstract

Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is a frequent cause of elbow pain; most patients (80%-90%) are successfully treated with standard nonoperative methods (rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, bracing, and physical therapy). Autologous blood injections and platelet-rich plasma injections are the two most frequently used orthobiologic techniques in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Studies of the effectiveness of autologous blood injections and platelet-rich plasma report varying outcomes, some citing significant clinical relief and others reporting no beneficial effect. More research is needed to determine how to best use orthobiologics in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Keywords: Autologous blood injection; Lateral epicondylitis; Outcomes; Platelet-rich plasma; Tennis elbow.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Conservative Treatment / methods*
Humans
Injections
Platelet-Rich Plasma*
Tennis Elbow* / diagnosis
Tennis Elbow* / physiopathology
Tennis Elbow* / therapy
Treatment Outcome