Ongoing Positive Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Corticosteroid Injection in Lateral Epicondylitis: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial with 2-Year Follow-up
Gosens T · The American Journal of Sports Medicine (2011)
DOI: 10.1177/0363546510397173This double-blind RCT compared a single PRP injection against a single corticosteroid injection in 100 patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis. The study is notable for its 2-year follow-up, which captured the critical divergence pattern: corticosteroids provided rapid initial relief that deteriorated over time, while PRP showed progressive and sustained improvement. By 1 and 2 years, PRP was significantly superior to corticosteroid on DASH scores and VAS pain.
Clinical Relevance
A landmark study demonstrating that PRP provides durable, long-term relief for tennis elbow while corticosteroid effects fade and reverse. This directly informs the clinical conversation: corticosteroid for rapid short-term relief, PRP for sustained long-term improvement.
Key Takeaways
- PRP significantly superior to corticosteroid at 1 and 2 years (p<0.005)
- Corticosteroid showed initial superiority that reversed over time (classic relapse pattern)
- DASH score improvement: PRP progressive, corticosteroid declining
- Demonstrates the fundamental difference between PRP (regenerative) and corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory but tissue-degrading)
- 2-year follow-up captures outcomes missed by shorter studies
Key Findings
PRP showed significantly better outcomes than corticosteroid injection at 1- and 2-year follow-up (p<0.005) on both VAS and DASH scores.
Clinical Context
Study Design
Randomized Controlled Trial (Double-Blind)
Condition
Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis
Sample Size
100 patients
Follow-up
24 months
Control Group
Corticosteroid (Triamcinolone 40mg/mL)
Primary Outcome
VAS and DASH
PRP Protocol & Intervention
Preparation System
Biomet Biologics GPS III
Leukocyte Status
LR-PRP
Injection Volume
1 mL
Injection Frequency
1 injection(s)
Guidance Method
Palpation-guided