Orthohealing

Gosens & Sluimer from the Netherlands, just reported on a prospective, double blinded, randomized study comparing PRP to cortisone injections in the treatment of 100 patients with tennis elbow. They used a visual analog pain score (1-10) & a DASH score to measure treatment response by 24 weeks. Both groups demonstrated initial improvement. However, by 24 weeks the cortisone group had a recurrence of pain whereas the PRP group continued to have improved pain scores. 1 and 2 year follow up results will be reported in the future.

This article originated from St. Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, the Netherlands.

Prior research has showed that after 4-6weeks tendons are no longer inflammed, but rather become thickened, scarred, & fibrotic with poor blood supply. Therefore at this point the proper nomenclature is “tendinosis” not tendinitis. With this understanding we try to facilitate healing by increasing blood flow and breaking up scar tissue.

Tags: growth factors, lateral epicondylitis, platelet rich plasma, PRP, tendinopathy, tendon injury, tennis elbow

Steven Sampson D.O.

Founder of the Orthohealing Center, Dr. Sampson is a recognized expert on orthobiologics and regenerative medicine. He lectures internationally and spearheads OHC’s clinical research efforts. Dr. Sampson is a Clinical Instructor of Medicine at The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Western University of Health Sciences.