Treatment of Chronic Elbow Tendinosis with Buffered Platelet-Rich Plasma
Mishra A · The American Journal of Sports Medicine (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/0363546506288850This was the original pilot study that launched clinical investigation of PRP for lateral epicondylitis. Only 15 patients with chronic elbow tendinosis who had failed all conservative treatments received a single buffered PRP injection. At a mean follow-up of 25.6 months, patients reported 93% reduction in pain. While uncontrolled and very small, this study generated the hypothesis that PRP could be a game-changer for chronic tendinopathy.
Clinical Relevance
Historical significance as the study that initiated PRP tendinopathy research. Results are hypothesis-generating only due to the lack of a control group, but the magnitude of improvement in refractory cases was compelling enough to drive subsequent RCTs.
Key Takeaways
- 93% pain reduction at mean 25.6 months (remarkable but uncontrolled)
- Only 15 patients with no control group
- All patients had failed extensive conservative treatment
- Used buffered PRP (pH-adjusted)
- Seminal pilot study that launched the entire field of PRP for tendinopathy research
Key Findings
Landmark pilot study demonstrated 93% pain reduction with PRP at mean 25-month follow-up. One of the first clinical studies showing PRP efficacy for musculoskeletal applications.
Clinical Context
Study Design
Prospective Cohort (Pilot Study)
Condition
Chronic Lateral Epicondylar Tendinosis
Sample Size
15 patients
Follow-up
25 months
Control Group
Bupivacaine (local anesthetic)
Primary Outcome
VAS, Mayo Elbow Score
PRP Protocol & Intervention
Activation Method
Buffered (sodium bicarbonate)
Injection Frequency
1 injection(s)