Comparison of efficacy of ultrasound-guided platelet rich plasma injection versus dry needling in lateral epicondylitis-a randomised controlled trial.

研究概要

Forty patients with lateral epicondylitis were randomized to receive either ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection (n=20) or ultrasound-guided dry needling (n=20). The primary outcome of interest was the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score. Secondary outcomes included common extensor tendon thickness, tear healing, and functional improvement. Outcomes were assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months. Overall, the results revealed significant improvement in the VAS pain score in the PRP group compared to the dry needling group at 9 months. The PRP group also showed slightly better improvement in tendon thickness and tear healing at 6 months. These findings suggest that PRP injections are a more effective non-operative treatment for lateral epicondylitis compared to dry needling.