Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is effective in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. However, it is unclear how the healing process is tracked by recurrent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study aimed to look at sequential changes in lateral epicondylitis treated with PRP injection over two years using MRI. About 30 individuals were enrolled in the study after receiving PRP treatment for lateral epicondylitis and undergoing sequential MRI examination. The MRI scores (range from 0 to 3) and clinical ratings, including the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score and Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) score, were recorded at baseline (before the procedure) and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months later. The sequence of changes in MRI scores and clinical scores during the treatment period was examined by Researchers. They also investigated the relationships between MRI results and clinical scores.
At baseline, 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the procedure, the mean MRI scores were 2.30, 1.97, 1.77, 1.13, 0.73, 0.60, and 0.33. Significant improvements in MRI scores occurred within three months and were sustained for the next 24 months. The mean clinical scores for VAS pain were 72, 48, 34, 28, 15, 14, and 11 and for PRTEE scores were 56, 36, 26, 18, 8, 9, and 6. Significant improvements in the VAS pain score and the PRTEE score occurred within one month and remained for the next 12 months. There was little correlation between MRI and clinical ratings. 2 years after PRP treatment revealed continuous tendon recovery as measured by MRI. Improvement in MRI scores followed and lasted longer than improvement in clinical scores.
Reference:www.jshoulderelbow.org/article/S1058-2746(22)00266-X/fulltext
