TENNIS ELBOW

Introduction: Lateral epicondylitis, also called as Tennis Elbow is the primarycause of musculo-skeletal ache including extensor origin of forearm. Repetitive movements areconsidered to be the root cause of this disorder. This disorder involves overexertion of fingers andwrist extensors that causes significant disability ultimately affecting the quality of life. The basisfor diagnosing lateral epicondylitis is very clear clinically. The strategy of injecting steroid locallyhas proven to dispense predictable and consistent transient relief of pain. Recent treatmentinvolve Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) administration locally. Study Design: Prospective study.Period: 01-07-2014 to 30-06-2016. Setting: Department of Orthopedic Surgery Allied /DHQHospital Faisalabad. Subject and Methods: Total of 38 patients aging 25-60 years belongingto either gender with Lateral Epicondylitis who met inclusion criteria were enrolled in this studyand divided in two (2) groups A and B. The group which was treated with steroid injection waslabeled as A and group B comprised of patients which were treated with prepared PRP injection.Outcome was analyzed on the basis of Visual Analogue Scale of pain and functional outcomeusing qDash scores at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Results: In Group A, baseline VASwas 7.3 + 2.1 and q DASH was 83+1.2. At 6 weeks and 12 weeks VAS was 5.3+ 3.1 and 6.1+1.2 respectively. qDash scores were 78 + 4.2 and 63 + 1.6 at 6 and 12 weeks respectively.In Group B VAS was 7.2+ 2.2, 5.3 +1.3, 3.2+ 1.2 at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. WhileqDash Scores were 81+3.2, 74+3.7, 58+1.2 at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks respectively.Conclusion: Steroid and PRP are effective equally for treating lateral epicondylitis. Accordingto this study, PRP is ranked superior to steroid for its long term effectiveness in controlling painand improve functional outcome.