Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Corticosteroid Injection in Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22328098Keywords:
Platelet-rich plasma, Corticosteroid injection, Lateral epicondylitis, Tennis elbow, TendinopathyAbstract
Background: Corticosteroid injection provides rapid short-term relief of chronic lateral epicondylitis but is repeatedly associated
with symptom recurrence, while platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been promoted as a disease-modifying alternative.
Objective: To synthesise randomised and meta-analytic evidence comparing PRP and corticosteroid injection across short- and
long-term outcomes, recurrence, PRP preparation heterogeneity, and alternative injectates.
Methods: Narrative review of randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses identified through
PubMed/Cochrane-indexed literature. Findings: Corticosteroid produces superior pain and function at 4-8 weeks, but a crossover by 3-6 months leaves PRP with significantly better VAS, DASH, and PRTEE outcomes and lower recurrence at 1-2 years. Leukocyte-poor preparations and higher platelet concentration factors appear to improve PRP efficacy; autologous blood and dry needling show intermediate profiles. Conclusions: PRP offers superior sustained outcomes beyond six months despite a slower onset, supporting its selective use over corticosteroid in chronic, recalcitrant disease.
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