Meta-Analysis Shows PRP Improves Tennis Elbow

Meta-Analysis Shows PRP Improves Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow Brace Lateral epicondylitis, more commonly known as tennis elbow, is the most frequent reason people see the physician for elbow pain. Tennis elbow is a swelling of the tendons that connect the lower arm to the elbow and is caused by any repetitive, gripping type activities – not just …

Tennis Elbow

Lateral epicondylitis, more commonly known as tennis elbow, is the most frequent reason people see the physician for elbow pain. Tennis elbow is a swelling of the tendons that connect the lower arm to the elbow and is caused by any repetitive, gripping type activities – not just tennis. Corticosteroid (CS) injections offer short-term relief and have been the treatment of choice since the 1950s, but since several studies have shown no long-term benefit from steroid injections clinicians are turning to newer biological therapies. Orthopedic researchers in Bangkok, Thailand conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the clinical effects of two biological treatment options, autologous blood (more…)

Corticosteroid Injections Damage Cartilage in Rabbit Models

Corticosteroid Injections Damage Cartilage

Corticosteroid Injections Damage Cartilage
Corticosteroid Injections Damage Cartilage

Clinicians began to treat a variety of joint conditions with corticosteroid injections around 1950. Since clinical improvement was noted, physicians began to use the injections more frequently. Scientists at the University of Montreal were prompted to study effects of steroid injections on cartilage because of reports that a significant number of patients experienced accelerated the joint damage. Researchers chose the rabbit model to study because the rabbit knee is similar to the human knee and they could be microscopically examined for tissue changes.

The researchers injected 25 mg of hydrocortisone over 2 to 12 weeks into rabbit knees and studied the effect on three major components of the joint: proteoglycans (joint proteins that provide structure and lubrication), collagen (the main fiber in cartilage, provides strength and shock absorption) and chondrocytes (The main cells found in cartilage – chondrocytes produce collagen and proteoglycans). As a control, one group of rabbits received weekly saline injections for 12 weeks. (more…)