New Biologic Treatment: Alternative to Tennis Elbow Surgery

Filed in archive Studies , Treatment on October 25, 2006

According to a study published in the November issue of The American Journal of Sports Medicine, tennis elbow sufferers may not have to look any further than his or her own body for the most effective treatment.

Authors of the said study, Allan Mishra MD and Terri Pavelko, PAC, PT, of the Menlo Medical Clinic, Stanford University Medical Center, Menlo Park, Calif. concluded that specially-prepared platelets taken from the patient which are then re-injected into the tendon of the affected elbow provides more relief than more commonly-used therapies which have failed to yield results but often leading to surgery.

Not restricted to tennis players, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis or tendonitis) is a common problem for people whose activities require strong gripping or repetitive wrist motions.

Tennis elbow is a degeneration of the tendon above the elbow that controls the movements of the wrist and hand, often treated by rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, bracing, physical therapy, and injections of corticosteroids (cortisone shots).

Read the full report at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine press release.