Riassunto dello studio

Fifty-five elbows from fifty patients with lateral epicondylitis were randomized to glucocorticoid (n=13 elbows analyzed), platelet-rich plasma (PRP)(n=14), or saline (n=14). The primary outcome of interest was functional improvement (PRTEE, DASH); pain (VAS) and ultrasonographic vascularity/SMI were secondary outcomes. Outcomes were collected at baseline, 3 months (all measures), and 6 months (clinical scores); USG/SMI were repeated at 3 months. Overall, the results of the study revealed PRP led to significantly better PRTEE and DASH scores than both glucocorticoid and saline at 3 and 6 months, with VAS also favoring PRP by 6 months; imaging measures did not differ between groups. These findings suggest PRP confers superior early–mid-term clinical benefit without corresponding ultrasonographic changes.