Lateral epicondylitis; comparison of autologous blood and corticosteroid in the treatment. A prospective, randomized, controlled trial

ABSTRACT

With aging, chemical hormonal and vascular factors have their part to play in lateral epicondylitis. The objective is to compare results of autologous blood injection and corticosteroid injection in treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Out Patient Department of Peshawar Institute of Medical Sciences, Peshawar from March 2013 to February 2014. Material and A prospective randomized control trail conducted on 58 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria. DASH score and VAS score used as outcome measures and both were recorded before injections and at each follow up made at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks interval. P-value was calculated where applicable. Out of 79 patients 65 met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 41.43 years +/- 13.43. 36 were females and 29 males. Dominant elbow involved in 39 patients. Mean duration of symptoms was 7.1 +/- 2.9 months. 7 patients lost in follow up. DASH score improved in both groups. but when compared there was no significance difference between the two groups [P value 0.33 at 12 weeks and 0.09 at 24 week follow up]. Similarly Mean VAS improved at 12 and 24 week follow up] in both groups but when compared the difference was non-significant [P value. 071 at 12 weeks and 0.12 at 24 weeks follow up. Both steroid and autologous blood injection has shown improvement in pain and physical activity and provide acceptable results although none superior to other significantly