Orthopedic PRP
    Orthopedic PRP
    Back to Research Studies
    Elbow
    Level 2 Evidence
    Lateral Epicondylitis
    Significant Benefit

    Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Chronic Tennis Elbow: A Double-Blind, Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial of 230 Patients

    Mishra AK · The American Journal of Sports Medicine (2014)

    DOI: 10.1177/0363546513494359

    This multicenter, double-blind RCT was the largest prospective study of PRP for lateral epicondylitis at the time of publication. 230 patients with chronic tennis elbow (>3 months, failed conservative care) were randomized to receive either a single LR-PRP injection via needle tenotomy or an active control (bupivacaine needle tenotomy without PRP). VAS pain was the primary outcome. At 24 weeks, the PRP group showed 71.5% improvement versus 56.1% in the control group, a statistically significant difference. Notably, the 12-week comparison was not significant, suggesting PRP requires time to exert its biological effect.

    Clinical Relevance

    Supports the use of LR-PRP for chronic lateral epicondylitis that has failed conservative management. Clinicians should set patient expectations that improvement develops over months, not weeks. The needle tenotomy technique itself contributes to outcomes.

    Key Takeaways

    • Significant PRP benefit at 24 weeks (71.5% vs 56.1%, p=0.019)
    • No significant difference at 12 weeks, indicating delayed onset of PRP effect
    • Used LR-PRP (Biomet GPS III system), which is the preferred formulation for lateral epicondylitis
    • Active control (needle tenotomy alone) still produced meaningful improvement, suggesting the mechanical stimulation component also matters
    • Largest multicenter RCT for PRP in tennis elbow

    Key Findings

    At 24 weeks, PRP-treated patients showed 71.5% improvement vs 56.1% in controls (p=0.019), representing clinically meaningful improvement.

    Clinical Context

    Study Design

    Randomized Controlled Trial (Double-Blind, Multicenter)

    Condition

    Chronic Lateral Epicondylar Tendinopathy (Tennis Elbow)

    Sample Size

    230 patients

    Follow-up

    6 months

    Control Group

    Active Control (Bupivacaine needle tenotomy without PRP)

    Primary Outcome

    VAS Pain Score

    PRP Protocol & Intervention

    Preparation System

    Biomet Biologics GPS III

    Leukocyte Status

    LR-PRP

    Injection Frequency

    1 injection(s)

    Guidance Method

    Palpation-guided (tendon needling)

    View Full Study Browse All StudiesFind a Provider