This report examines the efficacy of platelet releasate injection as a treatment method for ulnar neuritis. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an autologous product of concentrated platelets, has the potential to accelerate healing in injured peripheral nerves by releasing growth factors that promote nerve repair. Platelet releasate, the supernatant of thrombin-activated PRP, has yet to be thoroughly investigated as a treatment option for ulnar neuritis. In this report, a 42-year-old female patient presented with right-sided elbow and neck pain that was subsequently diagnosed as ulnar neuritis and neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. Initial imaging at the right elbow demonstrated ulnar nerve entrapment within the arcade of Struthers. The patient's symptoms were first managed with home exercise and ulnar nerve hydrodissection at the elbow, which decreased but did not resolve her pain. Platelet releasate injection of the ulnar nerve at the elbow was subsequently performed. Six weeks post-procedure, the patient reported additional pain improvement. Provocative tests at the elbow were negative and imaging demonstrated a normal-appearing ulnar nerve. Despite these results, the patient was not completely symptom-free; persistent symptoms were attributed to her concomitant neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. While platelet releasate injection has not previously been explored as a treatment option for ulnar neuritis, this case demonstrates how platelet releasate injection may facilitate healing in an ulnar nerve injured by entrapment. Further investigation could support platelet releasate injection as an effective monotherapy or as an adjunct treatment for ulnar neuritis and similar peripheral neuropathies.
Keywords: hydrodissection; nerve repair techniques; physical medicine and rehabilitation; platelet releasate; platelet-rich plasma; sports medicine; ulnar nerve entrapment; ulnar neuritis; ultrasound-guided intraneural injection; ultrasound-guided perineural injection.
Copyright © 2023, Bejarano et al.