Repeated magnetic resonance imaging at 6 follow-up visits over a 2-year period after platelet-rich plasma injection in patients with lateral epicondylitis

Development and validation of a severity-focused score for the assessment of lateral epicondylitis using enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) does not sufficiently reflect the severity of lateral epicondylitis. Although some authors have reported meaningful findings on conventional MRI, it is not widely accepted that MRI is useful for evaluating lateral epicondylitis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the lateral epicondylitis severity score (LESS) using contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRI and patients' perceptive pain and clinical courses.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 80 patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis and who also went contrast-enhanced 3.0-T MRI. The study cohort was split into a development (n = 50) and a validation cohort (n = 30). The patient's pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), and the involvement of the common extension tendon (CET) origin, radial collateral ligament, lateral ulnar collateral ligament, and plica were evaluated using T2-weighted images. The enhancement of CET and subcutaneous tissue was scored using a novel classification in the contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRI. LESS was calculated from MRI findings to determine the severity of lateral epicondylitis. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between patients' VAS scores and MRI findings. Receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to determine cut-off value of LESS for the surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

RESULTS

The average age of the development cohort (n = 50) and the validation cohort (n = 30) were 49.8 (31-66) years and 52.3 (37-67) years, and the average VAS score were 7.3 (4-9) and 7.2 (5-10) respectively. In T2-weighted image evaluation, the correlation of VAS and grade of CET, radial collateral ligament, lateral ulnar collateral ligament, and plica were -0.03 (P = .87), -0.03 (P = .87), -0.14 (P = .39), and 0.36 (P = .02). Discordant contrast enhancement in T1-weighted images compared to nonspecific T2-weighted images was observed in 46 of 50 cases (92%). A statistically significant correlation was observed between the patients' VAS and LESS scores (r = 0.67, P < .01). Area under curve was 0.76 (P < .01) and the optimal cut-off value of LESS for the surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis was 5.5 (sensitivity 72.7%, specificity 70.6%). When the cut-off value was used to predict surgical treatment in the validation cohort, the sensitivity was 100% and the specificity was 75%.

CONCLUSION

Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images provided more detail than conventional T2-weighted images in evaluation of structural or unobserved abnormalities to assess the severity of the lateral epicondylitis, and had excellent inter- and intraobserver reliability. LESS showed significant positive correlation with pain severity. If the LESS is 5.5 or more, surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis may need to be considered.

Injection of an allodermal matrix and leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma mixture improved the tendon integrity in cases of full-thickness common extensor tendon tears of the elbow: Two case reports

RATIONALE

Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a chronic condition characterized by tendinosis at the insertion site of the lateral epicondyle. Various treatment methods are available, ranging from conservative to surgical options for refractory lateral epicondylitis. Recently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have shown effectiveness for treating this condition. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of injecting a mixture of allodermal matrix (ADM) and leukocyte-rich PRP (LRPRP) for tendon regeneration.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 59-year-old man and a 62-year-old man, both with full-thickness tears in the common extensor tendon, presented persistent elbow pain despite undergoing several conservative treatments, including steroid injections, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, physical therapy, and medication previously.

DIAGNOSES

The patients were diagnosed with refractory lateral epicondylitis using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

INTERVENTIONS

We performed injections of a mixture of ADM and LRPRP into the full-thickness tear of the common extensor tendon.

OUTCOMES

One year after the procedure, visual analogue scale pain scores, patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation scores, quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand scores, and Nirschl scores had all improved significantly from baseline. In case 1, MRI scans obtained at 6 and 12 months postinjection demonstrated improved tendon integrity in full-thickness tear of the common extensor tendon. In case 2, similar improvements were observed on the 6-month postinjection MRI.

LESSONS

Injection of a mixture of ADM and LRPRP at the site of full-thickness tears in the common extensor tendon of the elbow can enhance tendon integrity. This treatment also improves functional status in cases of recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis.

Ultrasound of Lateral Epicondylitis

Clinical findings are generally sufficient to make the diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis of the elbow. Ultrasound (US), in conjunction with standard radiography, is a simple and cost-effective way to confirm the diagnosis, and it is also useful for eliminating most differential diagnoses and guiding treatment.US analysis of the muscle bodies and tendon laminae of the lateral epicondyle muscles, starting distally at the wrist and extending up to the lateral epicondyle, assists in understanding the complex fibrous architecture of the proximal tendons inserting on the lateral epicondyle. Pain when the US probe passes over an area of hypoechoic tendinosis, hyperemia in Doppler mode, and an intratendinous split are the signs to look for in patients. US helps guide needling or injection by targeting pathologic areas.Other examinations (computed tomography arthrogram and magnetic resonance imaging) are used as a second line of defense, particularly in cases of bone or joint pathology.

[Treatment of lateral and medial epicondylopathy : Are platelet-rich plasma, shock wave therapy, etc. effective for both?]

Lateral and medial epicondylopathy (epicondylitis), which are common and in most cases self-limiting, frequently result in relevant reduction of quality of life and may also affect the ability to work. Recently, the use of orthobiologics, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), has been proposed to promote tendon regeneration and is supposed to be a valuable treatment option. However, scientific data are conflicting and the short- and long-time results are controversial. The use of stem cells is new approach and preliminary clinical data are promising. Shock wave therapy is widely used and part of the daily routine in treating lateral epicondylopoathy, although it is questionable for medial epicondylopathy.

Comparison of Hyaluronate & Steroid Injection in the Treatment of Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis and Evaluation of Treatment Efficacy With MRI: A Single-Blind, Prospective, Randomized Controlled Clinical Study

Introduction: Injection therapy in refractory cases of lateral epicondylitis might relieve symptoms, although no consensus exists on which material to use. Corticosteroids are widely used but recent literature indicated possible tenotoxic effects and inefficacy in mid- and long-term follow-up (FU). Hyaluronate/hyaluronic acid (HA) might be of better clinical efficacy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might reflect the clinical changes in the short-term FU.

Methods: A single-blind, prospective, randomized controlled study was designed. A total of 80 patients were included. A total of 40 patients received a single triamcinolone injection and 40 received a hyaluronic acid (HA) injection. Follow-up was repeated at six and 12 weeks. The shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire (Q-DASH) score; visual analog scale (VAS) for pain at rest, and hand grip strength were collected. Dynamometer measurements were done at baseline and FU examinations. The MRI images at baseline and 12 weeks FU were evaluated.

Results: There were significant differences between the groups favoring the triamcinolone group at six weeks. At 12 weeks, no differences existed between the groups in any of the parameters. The MRI grades were nonsignificantly different between baseline and at 12 weeks.

Conclusion: Both triamcinolone and HA were shown to relieve pain and increase functional outcomes. However, the effects were short-lived. The MRI did not show significant differences at 12 weeks, although clinical improvements were substantial.