A study published in the July issue of the journal Arthroscopy compares the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and arthroscopic lateral release for the treatment of chronic lateral epicondylitis. 

The researchers conducted a prospective, randomized study of 101 patients who received either ultrasound-guided PRP injection (n = 51) or arthroscopic release (n = 50). They found that both cohorts experience significant improvement in all measures, and between-group comparisons displayed a significantly higher value in the PRP group for grip strength at week 8. However, all other significant differences were in favor of arthroscopy, including overall pain, night pain, and Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation score at week 104, and grip strength at weeks 24, 52, and 104. Consumption of rescue pain medication was similar across cohorts. Learn more...