Highlights
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Today’s Research Article: PRP Outperforms Physical Therapy in Tennis Elbow—With Healing You Can See on MRI.
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Questions from the Field: Bone Marrow vs. Adipose for Knees? Use the Right Tool for the Right Target.
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Let’s Get Down to Business: Stop Selling PRP Like a Backup Plan—Position It as the Smart, First-Line Solution.
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Come Join Us: Sharpen Your Skills and Expand Your Network—Top Regenerative Events Are Coming Up.
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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
Summary:
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating chronic lateral epicondylitis (LE), or tennis elbow, in comparison to physical therapy alone. 105 patients received either a single PRP injection or conservative treatment with physical therapy, a tennis elbow strap, and exercises. The PRP group showed significantly better outcomes across all measures—pain reduction (VAS), elbow function (Mayo score), and tendon healing (MRI)—over 6 months. Notably, the PRP group had a 40.6-point VAS improvement vs. 29.2 in controls, and a 1.11 grade MRI improvement vs. 0.37.
Biological analysis showed elevated concentrations of growth factors—particularly TGF-β—in the PRP samples, which correlated strongly with improved clinical outcomes. TGF-β was found to be a key driver of tendon healing, contributing to reduced pain and improved tissue regeneration on MRI. The findings support PRP as a safe and effective option for managing chronic tendinopathies where conventional treatments have failed.
Talking Points for Doctors to Patients: Why Choose PRP
