Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections as an Alternative to Surgery in Treating Patients With Medial Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

To synthesize the available information on the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections against surgery as therapy strategies for medial epicondylitis (ME). We searched the Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases with the relevant keywords to identify the studies comparing the efficiency of PRP injections and ME surgery. We excluded non-English articles, case reports, and conference abstracts. Only two studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. No conflicts were reported between both studies. Both studies were carried out in the United States of America. The outcomes of PRP and surgical interventions were similar, with no reported statistical differences. Both studies recorded an excellent outcome following the PRP and surgical interventions, where the patients returned to full movement with no pain. The current evidence shows that PRP injections are just as effective as ME surgery in relieving pain and restoring function for those with ME, especially in the short and mid-term. Therefore, the injection of PRP is a promising treatment option for ME.