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.
A new textbook was released by Jennifer E. Woodell-May and William S. Pietrzak which includes a chapter reviewing PRP. The chapter includes a literature review including case reports that suggest the multitude of potential applications.
