Abstract: Introduction: Lateral epicondylitis, commonly referred to as ‘tennis elbow’ is seen to affect 1% to 3% of the general population in the 3rd and 4th decade of life. Treatment modalities for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis include analgesics and immobilisation. 90% of cases resolve spontaneously within 6-12 months.
Materials and Methods: Prospective comparative study performed at department of orthopaedics in Sri Lakshmi Narayana institute of Medical Sciences from August 2020 to November 2021, 40 patients (26 females and 14 males) were included in the study after explaining the procedure with consent by block randomization with 20 in each group.
Result: We included 40 patients in this study, 26 were females and 14 were males with chronic pain at elbow for more than 3 months not responding to 6 weeks of conservative management. Patient follow up was done at fourth, eighth and twelfth week of post injection. Mean VAS & DASH pre injection score average for platelet rich plasma group was 66.6 & 56.4 respectively while 36.5 & 29.1 at the end of one year treatment. Mean VAS & DASH pre injection score average for steroid group was 65.5 & 55.2 respectively while 37.8 & 34.0 at the end of one year treatment.
Conclusion: A single injection of autologous platelet rich plasma improves elbow pain and functional activities more effectively than corticosteroid injection in lateral epicondylitis.
