Current Concepts in Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Lateral Epicondylitis Through a Histopathological and Clinical Lens.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review without systematic methodology
PubMed 42403870 · doi:10.7759/cureus.110311
What was done
This narrative review synthesized basic science mechanisms, preclinical animal research, and published clinical evidence regarding platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for chronic, refractory lateral epicondylitis affecting the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical metrics, pooled effect sizes, or statistical figures. It describes chronic lateral epicondylitis as lacking substantial inflammatory infiltrate while showing increased programmed cell death. PRP supplies multiple growth factors (VEGF, PDGF, IGF, FGF, and TGF-β) that facilitate angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen remodeling in animal models. Clinical trial outcomes remain heterogeneous: some trials indicate significant improvements in pain and function, while others show minimal benefit. Narrative comparisons note PRP may confer better long-term relief than corticosteroids and comparable outcomes to surgical debridement, though optimal leukocyte concentration remains unestablished.
Why it matters
The paper summarizes the biological rationale for PRP in tennis elbow while underscoring that conflicting clinical data and unstandardized preparation protocols continue to hinder definitive clinical recommendations.
Limits
This is an unsystematized narrative review without meta-analytic pooling, risk-of-bias evaluation, or standardized search criteria. The abstract omits sample sizes and precise effect sizes, and high clinical and preparation heterogeneity limits cross-study comparisons.
Cited by
- supports Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments rely on growth factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to stimulate blood supply and tissue healing.