Prolotherapy in the treatment of chronic migraine ­ Case report / Proloterapia no tratamento da enxaqueca crônica ­ Relato de caso

Introduction:Chronic migraine is a socioeconomic and individual burden since it is the largest cause of disability in people under 50 years of age. Although there are several prophylactic drug alternatives, some patients are vulnerable to refractoriness with significant damage to their quality of life. Prolotherapy, a subcutaneous injection of dextrose in peripheral nerves, advocates as a promising tool in the management of this pathology. Case report:A patient with refractory chronic migraine to drug therapy who was submitted to neurofascial prolotherapy. Weekly administration of a 2 ml solution of 1% ropivacaine and 10% glucose in the head peripheral nerves for 6 weeks. Reduced disability and frequency of migraine attacks for a period of 8 weeks after interventions. Conclusion: Prolotherapy proved itself to be a notable technique for reducing the number of days in a month that a patient with refractory chronic migraine to standardized therapy has had headaches. However, placebo group studies are needed to determine the efficacy of the procedure.

Introdução: A enxaqueca crônica representa um fardo socioeconômico e individual, pois é a maior causa de incapacidade em pessoas com menos de 50 anos de idade. Embora existam diversas alternativas de medicamentos profiláticos, alguns pacientes são vulneráveis ​​à refratariedade com prejuízos significativos à sua qualidade de vida. A proloterapia, uma injeção subcutânea de dextrose nos nervos periféricos, é defendida como uma ferramenta promissora no manejo desta patologia. Relato de caso: Paciente com enxaqueca crônica refratária à terapia medicamentosa que foi submetido à proloterapia neurofascial. Administração semanal de 2 ml de solução de ropivacaína a 1% e glicose a 10% nos nervos periféricos da cabeça durante 6 semanas. Redução da incapacidade e frequência de ataques de enxaqueca por um período de 8 semanas após as intervenções. Conclusão: A proloterapia provou ser uma técnica notável para reduzir o número de dias em um mês que um paciente com enxaqueca crônica refratária à terapia padronizada teve dores de cabeça. No entanto, são necessários estudos em grupo placebo para determinar a eficácia do procedimento.

Comparing dextrose prolotherapy with other substances in knee osteoarthritis pain relief: A systematic review

Abstract The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of dextrose-prolotherapy with other substances for pain relief in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis. The literature screening was done in January 2021 through Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, and Database of the National Institute of Health based on the following criteria: randomized clinical trials that subjected patients with primary knee osteoarthritis who underwent treatment with dextrose-prolotherapy and other substances for pain relief. Paired reviewers independently identified 3381 articles and included 8 trials that met the eligibility criteria. According to the findings of this review, participants that underwent dextrose-prolotherapy showed improvements between baseline and posterior assessments and when compared to saline injections, but when compared to other substances, the results were not clear. Although dextrose-prolotherapy is a useful treatment method by itself, it is still not possible to clearly affirm that it is superior or inferior to its counterparts. There is an urgent need for further studies to bring more evidence to the field. HIGHLIGHTS Dextrose injections promote deposition of collagen into injured structures through growth factors and inflammatory cells. Dextrose-prolotherapy is a useful treatment method, but it is not superior or inferior to its counterparts.

Proloterapia en la gonartrosis

RESUMEN La gonartrosis es una entidad muy frecuente y afecta a un grupo numeroso de pacientes en especial a los mayores de 40 años. El tratamiento conservador constituye la primera línea e incluye la proloterapia. El propósito de este estudio es actualizar los conocimientos en relación al uso de la proloterapia en pacientes con gonartrosis. La búsqueda y análisis de la información se realizó en un periodo de 2 meses (primero de febrero de 2020 al 30 de abril de 2020) y se emplearon las siguientes palabras: prolotherapy, regenerative injection therapy and chronic musculoskeletal pain. A partir de la información obtenida se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de un total de 203 artículos publicados en las bases de datos PubMed, Hinari, SciELO y Medline mediante el gestor de búsqueda y administrador de referencias EndNote, de ellos se utilizaron 39 citas seleccionadas para realizar la revisión, de ellas 32 de los últimos cinco años, además se consultó un libro. Se mencionan las concentraciones a emplear tanto intra- como periarticular, indicaciones y mecanismos de acción. Se describen la frecuencia de su aplicación, así como la comparación con otros métodos de tratamiento por vía intraarticular. Se hace referencia a la duración de su efecto y complicaciones. La proloterapia mediante la administración de dextrosa hipertónica intraarticular es un método útil en el tratamiento de pacientes con gonartrosis, su fácil aplicación, disponibilidad y bajo índice de complicaciones lo convierten en un método conservador factible y eficaz.

ABSTRACT Gonarthrosis is a very frequent entity and affects a large group of patients especially above 40 years, conservative treatment is the first line and includes prolotherapy. To update knowledge regarding the use of prolotherapy in patients with gonarthrosis. The information was searched and analyzed over a period of two months (February 1, 2020 to April 30, 2020) and the following words were used: prolotherapy, regenerative injection therapy and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Based on the information obtained, a bibliographic review of a total of 203 articles published in the PubMed, Hinari, SciELO and Medline databases was carried out using the search manager and reference manager EndNote, 39 selected citations were used to make the review, including 32 of the last five years, also consulted a book. The concentrations to be used both intra and periarticular, indications and mechanisms of action are mentioned. The frequency of its application is described, as well as the comparison with other intra-articular treatment methods. Reference is made to the duration of its effect and complications. Prolotherapy by administering intra-articular hypertonic dextrose is a useful method in the treatment of patients with gonarthrosis, its easy application, availability and low complication rate make it a feasible and effective conservative method.

Evaluating the Effect of Dextrose Prolotherapy on Temporomandibular Disorders by Choosing Different Injection Sites- A Comparative Clinical Study

Introduction: Prolotherapy is a minimally invasive techniqueused in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders.Prolotherapy agent induces an inflammatory process in thejoint, stimulates fibroblast proliferation, hence facilitatesthe healing process and strengthens the joint and associatedligaments and tendons. The main aim of this article wasto study the effect of 25% dextrose prolotherapy ontemporomandibular joint pain, clicking and maximum mouthopening by using different injection sites.Material and methods: Sixty patients with establisheddiagnosis of unilateral disc displacement with reduction whocomplained of unilateral symptoms (pain and clicking) wereincluded in the study. They were randomly allocated to threegroups (Group A, Group B and Group C) of 20 patients each.Group A patients received intra-articular injections into thesuperior joint space, Group B patients received injections intothe inferior joint space where as Group C patients were giveninjections into the retrodiscal tissues. Each group receivedsubsequent injections at first, second and third weeks at therespective sites. Pain, clicking and maximum mouth opening(MMO) was recorded pre-operatively, post-operatively at 3weeks and 2 months.Results: Group B and Group C patients showed a significantdecrease in the pain score at 3 weeks and 2 months postoperatively while as no significant pain relief was observed inGroup A. Maximum mouth opening improved significantly inGroup B and Group C patients at 3 weeks and 2 months andwas highest in Group C. Reduction in clicking was best seenin Group C.Conclusion: Prolotherapy is more effective when injectionsite is selected as per the type of symptoms of the patientswith temporomandibular disorders.

Prolotherapy for knee osteoarthritis using hypertonic dextrose vs other interventional treatments: systematic review of clinical trials

Abstract Background: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of prolotherapy with hypertonic dextrose in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A systematic search was performed in electronic databases including PUBMED, SCIELO, DIALNET and Google Scholar. Main body: We searched for randomized clinical trials that evaluated therapeutic interventions in patients with knee osteoarthritis. These trials compared the effect of intra-articular and / or extra-articular infiltrations of hypertonic dextrose vs the effect of intra-articular and / or extra-articular infiltrations of other substances or some interventional procedure application, via assessing pain, physical function and secondary effects and / or adverse reactions. Ten randomized clinical trials were included in this systematic review, the total sample size comprised 328 patients treated with hypertonic dextrose (prolotherapy) vs 348 controls treated with other infiltrations such as local anesthetics, hyaluronic acid, ozone, platelet-rich plasma or interventional procedures like radiofrequency. Conclusions: In terms of pain reduction and function improvement, prolotherapy with hypertonic dextrose was more effective than infiltrations with local anesthetics, as effective as infiltrations with hyaluronic acid, ozone or radiofrequency and less effective than PRP and erythropoietin, with beneficial effect in the short, medium and long term. In addition, no side effects or serious adverse reactions were reported in patients treated with hypertonic dextrose. Although HDP seems to be a promising interventional treatment for knee OA, more studies with better methodological quality and low risk of bias are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this intervention.

Effects of Prolotherapy on Medial Collateral Ligament Bursitis of the Knee Joint Identified with High Resolution Ultrasound / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Medial knee joint pain is a common problem in the field of orthopedics. In these patients, a high resolution ultrasound examination can reveal medial collateral ligament (MCL) bursitis, meniscal cyst, degeneration changes to the MCL and meniscal protrusion etc. Prolotherapy is effective in these patients. The author performed prolotherapy for MCL bursitis of the knee joint, and confirmed the disappearance of the bursitis using high resolution ultrasound.

Non-Operative Management of Musculoskeletal Diseases and Regenerative Medicine / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Recently, due to the unsatisfactory outcomes of several orthopedic surgical procedures, non-operative management of musculoskeletal diseases, including regenerative medicine, is becoming more attractive to orthopedic surgeons. Regarding the healing of musculoskeletal tissues, such as bone, cartilage and tendons, regenerative medicine aims to replace or promote tissue regeneration. Among them, therapy using stem cells, prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy are taking center stage. Numerous animal and clinical studies have been published and the number has increased exponentially in recent years. On the other hand, because regenerative medicine in the orthopedic field is still in the early stages, no definite methods for the procedures have been made and there is some controversy regarding their application to musculoskeletal disease. Therefore, more high quality studies including randomized studies should be performed to establish standards and evaluate their value in the orthopedic field.

Prolotherapy / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Prolotherapy is defined as “the rehabilitation of an incompetent structure such as ligament or tendon by induced proliferation of new cells” in the dictionary. It may include any treatment promoting the proliferation of new cells such as stem cell therapy. Traditionally, prolotherapy has been thought of as a method of strengthening a lax ligament by injecting various types of sclerosing or proliferant solutions which have commonly included hypertonic dextrose. And this therapy should involve the process of injecting solutions at the enthesis, where tendons and ligaments attach to the bone, to cause an inflammatory reaction. This inflammation initiates the regeneration and repair processes of the injured tissue in and around the joint to promote tissue proliferation and growth. Therefore, the method of prolotherapy includes the injection of small volumes of an irritant solution at painful ligament and tendon insertion sites over several treatment sessions. Because prolotherapy is a treatment modality that may provide a solution to a patient who complains of enthesopathic pain symptoms, it may be beneficial prior to long-term medication treatment or surgical intervention. Despite controversies over prolotherapy, its usage appears to be increasing gradually. This article discusses the current state of knowledge on prolotherapy and informs it to the physicians who manage the musculoskeletal pains.

Regenerative Medicine in the Treatment of Sports Injuries: Prolotherapy and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy / 대한스포츠의학회지

The treatment of sports injuries traditionally has included the use of the PRICE principle (protection, rest, ice/cold, compression, and elevation), analgesics/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and, commonly, corticosteroids. Although NSAIDs, modalities, and corticosteroids may be helpful for short-term pain reduction and early recovery of function, they do not typically reverse the structural changes associated with degenerative conditions and may contribute to even worse long-term outcomes by potentially interfering with tissue healing. Regenerative interventions, including prolotherapy and extracorporeal shock wave therapy, recently have been used to treat refractory painful conditions such as chronic tendinopathies because of the potential of these interventions to facilitate tissue healing. The true utility of prolotherapy and regenerative medicine for sports injuries will become clearer as more high-quality research is published.

Effects of Intraarticular Prolotherapy on Sacroiliac Joint Pain

BACKGROUND: Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain is a challenging condition that causes lower back or buttock pain; however, there is no universally accepted long-term treatment. There have been several reports of ligament prolotherapy for SI joint pain, but these have had inconsistent results, probably due to the lack of a specific diagnosis for patient selection and variability in the volume, number and sites of injection. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the efficacy of intraarticular prolotherapy for relieving SI joint pain diagnosed by local anesthetic intraarticular injection. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with SI joint pain confirmed by 50% or more improvement in response to local anesthetic block underwent intraarticular prolotherapy with 25% dextrose water every other week three times. The numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were assessed at the initial visit and after completion of a series of prolotherapy and the NRS was checked during monthly follow-up sessions to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of this technique. RESULTS: Twenty patients completed prolotherapy and followed up as scheduled. The NRS and ODI were significantly improved from 6 (4-8) and 34.1 +/- 15.5 to 1 (0-3) and 12.6 +/- 9.8 (P < 0.01), respectively, at 1 month after prolotherapy. The mean duration of pain relief of 50% or more was 12.2 months (95% CI, 10.0-14.3) as determined by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Intraarticular prolotherapy provided long-term relief of sacroiliac joint pain and may have more benefits than ligament prolotherapy or neurolysis.

Comparision of remifentanil and remifentanil/midazolam for outpatient anesthesia in prolotherapy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Prolotherapy is a therapeutic procedure used for chronic musculoskeletal and arthritic pain. It involves injecting an irritant solution to pain sites and causes patient discomfort, which can lead to treatment discontinuation. Remifentanil is an ultra short-acting micro-opiate receptor agonist that permits a rapid transition from intense analgesia to a minimal residual effect. Here, we evaluated the effect of remifentanil as a preparative medication for ambulatory prolotherapy. METHODS: Eighty patients taking prolotherapy were assigned into three groups for pre-therapeutic injections: remifentanil 0.1 microgram/kg/min alone (Group R), remifentanil 0.05 microgram/kg/min with midazolam 2 mg (Group M), and normal saline (Group C). Pain and sedation scores, blood pressure, pulse oxygen saturation, heart rate, satisfaction score, and time to discharge were measured. RESULTS: Pain scores in groups M and R were lower than group C during and after prolotherapy. The sedation score of group M was higher than groups R and C. Nine patients in group R experienced dizziness during prolotherapy. In group M, 8 patients experienced dizziness and 2 patients experienced nausea. There was no difference in time to discharge among all groups. Satisfaction scores in group M (7.3 +/- 0.8) and group R (7.0 +/- 0.8) were higher than that of group C (5.3 +/- 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: Remifentanil and remifentanil/midazolam effectively reduce the pain produced by prolotherapy.

Comparison between the Effect of Local Steroid Injection and Prolotherapy on Iliac Crest Pain Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of local steroid injection and prolotherapy on the iliac crest pain syndrome (ICPS) in patients with nonspecific low back pain. METHOD: 44 patients with ICPS were chosen randomly. The treatment groups were divided into two. The first group received a mixture of triamcinolone and lidocaine. The second received with a mixture of dextrose and lidocaine. The patients in each group were injected once a week over 4 weeks. The effectiveness of treatment was evaluated by a visual analogue scale (VAS), a pressure threshold and patient's life activities with modified Oswestry questionnaire before injection, 30 minutes, 1 week, 4 weeks and 3 months later after injection respectively. RESULTS: VAS, pressure threshold and patient's life activities of two groups were all improved at 30 minutes, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after injection compared with those of pre-injection, and there was no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSION: The low back pain on ICPS can be significantly improved by local steroid injection and prolotherapy equally. Therefore, patients with risk of steroid injection could be treated by prolotherapy.

Comparison of Sedation Anesthesia between Midazolam and Midazolam/Alfentanil: for Prolotherapy and Intramuscular Stimulation / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The presence of pain during interventional pain management such as prolotherapy and intramuscular stimulation is stressful to patients and can affect the treatment outcome. We studied the safety and efficacy of two drug regimens: midazolam alone and midazolam/alfentanil for sedation anesthesia during prolotherapy and intramuscular stimulation. METHODS: Fifty three patients received either midazolam 0.04-0.08 mg/kg (Group M) or midazolam 0.01-0.02 mg/kg with alfentanil 4-8microgram/kg (Group A) for prolotherapy or intramuscular stimulation. We recorded the pain response, sedation score and side effects during the procedure, as well as amnesia, satisfaction and time to discharge after the procedure. RESULTS: Both drug regimens had significant sedation scores, amnesia and overall provided patient satisfaction. The treatment of pain was superior in Group A. Respiratory depression of three patients occurred in Group A. The time to discharge was longer in Group M. CONCLUSIONS: Midazolam and midazolam/alfentanil used for sedation anesthesia during prolotherapy and intramuscular stimulation were both effective; however, midazolam alone was the safer approach.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sacral Asymlocation in Back Pain Patients: Clinical Application of Prolotherapy / 대한통증학회지

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the role and effects of prolotherapy in patients presenting with lower back pain and detected sacral asymlocation, by retrospectively analyzing the results of prolotherapy performed at our institute. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with referred pain in the lower back rather than distinct radiculopathy, were detected to have sacral asymlocation by simple X-ray from May 2004 through July 2005. The patients were treated with prolotherapy and manipulation by the Ongley's method around the lumbosacral junction, iliolumbar ligament, and sacroiliac joint. They were treated for approximately one to two week intervals, and during this period were rechecked by X-ray and evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: A total of 23 patients were included in the study (10 male and 13 female), and the average age was 41 years. The average VAS at the time of visit was 8.5, the average treatment time was 4.7 days, and the average VAS after treatment was 2.1. CONCLUSIONS: Back pain, and associated leg and buttock pain, originate from several causes. In these case analyses, instability around the lumbosacral area and sacral asymlocation might have been important causes of patient back pain and associated buttock and leg pain. We therefore applied prolotherapy as well as manipulation techniques devised by Ongley to these patients, and obtained good results.

The Effects of Anti-inflammatory Drugs on Histologic Findings of the Experimental Prolotherapy Model

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen on histologic changes of the Achilles tendon in an experimental prolotherapy model. METHOD: The right Achilles tendon of 60 rats was injected with 20% dextrose on experimental day 1, 7, and day 14, whereas the left was not injected and used as control. Rats were divided into 3 subgroups: NSAIDs medication group (10 mg/kg/day), acetaminophen medication group (100 mg/ kg/day) and no medication group. Medications were given for 3 consecutive days after each injection. Rats were sacrificed at 3 and 6 weeks after first injection. The transverse diameter of gross specimen, the number of fibroblasts on light microscope, and the distribution of collagen fibril on electron microscope were assessed. RESULTS: The transverse diameter and the count of fibroblasts of all groups increased significantly in the injected tendon compared to the non-injected tendon. However, there were no differences among all groups significantly (p<0.05). On electron micrograph, fibril diameters of injected tendon consisted of mainly smaller sizes with the intermediate sizes. CONCLUSION: Prolotherapy enhances fibroblastic stimulation and elaboration of extracellular matrix. Short term use of NSAIDs may not have any adverse effects on tissue proliferation after prolotherapy.

The Sedation Anesthesia for Prolotherapy and Intramuscular Stimulation / 대한통증학회지

BACKGROUND: Painful experiences during procedures such as prolotherapy and intramuscular stimulation are stressful to patients and can affect the treatment outcome. We present a method for relieving pain and increasing the level of patient comfort during the procedure. METHODS: Twenty six patients who requested sedation anesthesia during the procedure were examined. All patients were injected with 500 ml of 0.9% normal saline and were monitored by electrocardiography, blood pressure and pulse oximetry. The patients were supplied with oxygen (3 L/min) through a nasal cannula. Midazolam (0.02 mg/kg) and alfentanil (8 microgram/kg) was injected before the procedure and a bolus injection was administered during the procedure if patients felt any pain. The duration of the procedure, the total amount of drugs, the changes in the systolic blood pressure, heart rate, pulse oxygen saturation, sedation and pain level during procedure, satisfaction scale after the procedure, complications and the incidence of amnesia were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty one patients had a moderate level of sedation, 15 patients did not feel any pain during the procedure, 17 patients had high level of satisfaction (8-10). No patient experienced complications after the procedure, or unstable vital signs, and 6 patients could not remember the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Sedation anesthesia is a safe method for relieving pain during the procedure, and most patients had a high level of satisfaction.

Ultrasonographic Findings of Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis with Partial Tear before and after Prolotherapy

OBJECTIVE: To compare the ultrasonographic findings of chronic lateral epicondylitis of elbow with partial tear of common extensor tendon before and after prolotherapy. METHOD: The subjects were 12 cases of chronic lateral epicondylitis with partial tear of common extensor tendon, which were confirmed by ultrasonography. We examined the common extensor tendon with ultrasonography at initial visit. After injecting 15% dextrose solution monthly for five times, follow up ultrasonography was performed one month after last injection. RESULTS: Before prolotherapy, every case had anechoic focus without normal fibrillar pattern, which represented partial tear of tendon. Seven cases showed focal or diffuse hypoechoic foci with loss of normal fibrillar pattern of tendon, which represented tendinosis. After prolotherapy, initial anechoic foci were changed to smaller size with diffuse fibrillar pattern inside in 6 cases, to the same the sized hypoechoic foci with diffuse fibrillar pattern inside in 2 cases. And a few fibrillar pattern were seen within the initial anechoic focus in 1 case and most of anechoic foci were filled with fibrillar pattern except small anechoic foci in 3 cases. CONCLUSION: Prolotherapy can help the recovery process of chronic lateral epicondylitis. And ultrasonography can be a useful method to evaluate the therapentic effect of lateral epicondylitis.

The Effects of Prolotherapy on Shoulder Pain / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Prolotherapy is an effective treatment for pain due to ligament or tendon laxity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of prolotherapy on the relief of shoulder pain. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients who complained of shoulder pain were investigated using a pain score system. Prolotherapy was performed using 15% dextrose to regions according to Hemwall's pattern. We recorded numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores just before prolotherapy and 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks later. RESULTS: For the 29 patients, prolotherapy proved to be effective and satisfactory in 83% (NRS; 7.2 +/- 0.8 before, 2.0 +/- 1.3 after prolotherapy). CONCLUSIONS: Prolotherapy with 15% dextrose resulted in a clinically significant improvement of shoulder pain due to ligamentopathy.

Comparison of Histological Changes in Accordance with the Level of Dextrose-Concentration in Experimental Prolotherapy Model

OBJECTIVE: Comparing histological changes according to the level of dextrose-concentration of proliferant under the same osmolarity on Achilles tendon of rat. METHOD: One millimeter of three proliferant solutions (20% dextrose water-group A, 5% dextrose water mixed with NaCl-group B, NaCl solution-group C) with the same osmolarity (1, 110 mOsm) was injected around the right Achilles tendon of each rat, whereas the left was not injected to be used as control. After six weeks of injection, the injected tendons and controls were obtained. The transverse diameter of gross specimen, the count of fibroblasts on light microscope, and the findings of cross-sectional analysis using electron microscope were compared. RESULTS: Overall, transverse diameter and the count of fibroblasts increased in the injected specimens compared to controls, however, their significant differences were demonstrated only for the two groups injected with dextrose containing solutions (p<0.05). However, A and B groups did not show significant differences in all parameters investigated. On electron micrograph, fibril diameters of solution-injected tendon consisted of either extremely large or small sizes with the limited intermediate sizes. CONCLUSION: Although high osmolar solution could increase the transverse diameter and fibroblast counts, however, dextrose-containing solution was much more effective as a proliferant solution.

The Effect of Prolotherapy on Lateral Epicondylitis of Elbow

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of prolotherapy on lateral epicondylitis, and the difference of treatment effect according to the findings of ultrasonography. METHOD: The subjects were 84 patients who were diagnosed as lateral epicondylitis. The pain score was evaluated by using VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) before treatment and 1 month and 6 months after the 3rd injection. Ultrasonography was done to 49 patients who were suspicious of tendinous tear. RESULTS: In the comparison of the VAS before treatment and after the 3rd injection, it was 6.79+/-0.88, 2.95+/-1.90, respectively, which demonstrated statistical significant decrease (p<0.01). We found more significant reduction of VAS in the subjects without tendinous tear (7.08+/-0.91 to 2.16+/-1.57) than those with partial tendinous tear (6.90+/-0.93 to 3.67+/-1.76) (p<0.01). Among 71 patients whose symptom was improved after the treatment, 57 patients (80.2%) demonstrated sustained improvement at 9 months and 14 patients (19.7%) relapsed at 9 months. CONCLUSION: Prolotherapy is an effective treatment method in the lateral epicondylitis of elbow. Ultrasonography could be a useful diagnostic method which could predict the effect of prolotherapy.