Today’s Research Article
Relationship of Cytokine Levels and Clinical Effect on Platelet-Rich Plasma-Treated Lateral Epicondylitis
Wonbong Lim, Sang H. Park, Bora Kim, Sin W. Kang, Jung W. Lee, Young L. Moon
Read the full article here.
Summary:
This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections in treating lateral epicondylitis (LE), commonly known as tennis elbow. It compares the outcomes of 105 patients randomized into two groups: one receiving a single PRP injection and the other undergoing physical therapy. Pain and functional outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Modified Mayo Clinic Performance Index, and MRI.
The study found significant improvement in pain, functionality, and MRI scores in the PRP-treated group. TGF-β, a key cytokine in PRP, was positively correlated with tendon healing and functional recovery. The results highlight PRP's potential as a safe and effective treatment for LE.
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