094 THE USE OF PLATELET-RICH- PLASMA IN SEVERE CHRONIC LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS OF THE ELBOW

Abstract

We present the results of a single percutaneous injection of platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) to lateral epicondyle in patients with severe chronic lateral elbow epicondylitis(ELE).

Between 2006–2008 eight patients suffered from severe chronic ELE. They had severe persistent pain (mean 85, range 70–100 on a Visual Analogue Pain scale(VAS)) despite conservative methods at least one year. Three patients were men and five were women with age from 38–63 years (mean 44). Right elbow was the involved in six patients, left elbow in one and the last patient had bilateral ELE. All patients underwent a single percutaneous injection of PRP (located to lateral epicondyle using a specific technique). PRP is derived from centrifugation of 27–30 ml autologous blood using the GPS system. After the injection of PRP all patients underwent a 2-week standardized stretching protocol and then a strengthening program for four weeks. The results estimated with a 100-mm VAS (0 no pain, 100 the worst pain) and a modified Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). The patients examinated four, eight and twenty four weeks after the injection and also at the last follow-up (mean 28, range from 16 to 38 months).

There were no regional or systemic complications. Four weeks after treatment the patients reported improvement in VAS mean score from 85 to 40 and in MEPS from 51 to 75. Eight weeks after injection the VAS mean score improved from 85 to 22 and the MEPS from 51 to 82. At six months the VAS score was 10 (mean) and the MEPS 90. Finally at the last follow-up the mean VAS score was 7 and the MEPS 92.

The percutaneous injection of PRP to lateral epicondyle in patients with severe chronic ELE seems to lead in a significant reduction of their pain and improvement of their elbow function. These good results may sustain over time.