Background: Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is one of the most commonly reported musculoskeletal disorders in the upper extremity. The mechanism of LE is repetitive motion that causes a strain of the extensor tendons. This consequently causes pain and tendinosis at the tendinous attachment site on the lateral epicondyle. Most cases of LE are treated nonoperatively with a variety of interventions, such as injections.
Purpose: The aim of this systematic review (SR) is to synthesize the current evidence on the efficacy of platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections versus corticosteroid (CS) injections as treatment interventions for LE.
Study design: Systematic Review.
Methods: Online databases were searched from database inception to February 24th, 2020 for relevant SR's evaluating PRP vs. CS injections as treatment methods for LE. Two independent researchers searched and screened for articles that were systematic reviews that directly compared PRP to CS injections for LE.
Results: A total of five SR's were included in this review that were published between 2016 and 2020. CS injections were more efficacious for short-term pain relief, and PRP injections were more efficacious for long-term pain relief and improved function.
Conclusion: PRP injections appear to be a more effective long-term treatment option than CS injections for those with LE who did not respond to conservative management.
Level of evidence: 1.
Keywords: corticosteroid injection; elbow epicondylitis; lateral epicondylitis; platelet rich plasma injection; tennis elbow.