NCT06854666

Brief Summary

Lateral epicondylar tendinopathy (LET), or tennis elbow, is a degenerative condition affecting the forearm's extensor tendons. It commonly leads to pain, reduced grip strength, and impaired function, particularly in individuals performing repetitive wrist and forearm movements. Standard treatments, including physiotherapy, braces, and anti-inflammatory medications, provide relief but do not always lead to full recovery. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained interest as a regenerative therapy with the potential to enhance tendon healing and improve clinical outcomes. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aims to evaluate PRP's effectiveness in treating LET, comparing it to leukocyte-rich PRP (L-PRP) and saline (placebo). Additionally, it assesses the composition of PRP and its role in tendon regeneration. The study will enroll 80 patients diagnosed with LET, meeting predefined clinical criteria. Participants will be randomized into three groups (PRP, L-PRP, saline) and receive two injections (day 0 and day 7). PRP will be prepared using a standardized protocol to ensure consistency. Patients will undergo clinical evaluations (VAS, Mayo Elbow Score, SECEC Elbow Score), grip strength testing, and MRI scans at baseline and 24 weeks post-treatment. The PRP composition will be analyzed in a laboratory. Follow-ups will be conducted at 12, 24, and 54 weeks to monitor pain reduction, functional improvement, and tendon healing. This study will provide critical insights into PRP's therapeutic potential, helping refine treatment approaches for LET and improve patient outcomes.

Trial Health

87
On Track

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
72

participants targeted

Target at P50-P75 for not_applicable

Timeline
Completed

Started Jan 2017

Longer than P75 for not_applicable

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
completed

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

Click on a node to explore related trials.

Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Start

First participant enrolled

January 2, 2017

Completed
7.1 years until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

February 10, 2024

Completed
29 days until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

March 10, 2024

Completed
10 months until next milestone

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

January 13, 2025

Completed
2 months until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

March 3, 2025

Completed
Last Updated

March 3, 2025

Status Verified

February 1, 2025

Enrollment Period

7.1 years

First QC Date

January 13, 2025

Last Update Submit

February 25, 2025

Conditions

Keywords

tennis elbowprp

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

  • Improvement in Pain (VAS Score)

    Description: This study aims to evaluate whether PRP reduces pain in patients with lateral epicondylar tendinopathy (LET). Assessment Tool: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Scale: 0 to 10 (0 = no pain, 10 = worst possible pain) Higher scores indicate worse pain outcomes. Time Frame: 12 months

    12 months

  • Grip Strength

    Grip Strength: The study includes grip strength testing with isometric grip strenght measure BTE, which is a primary measure of functional improvement following treatment.

    12 months

  • Improvement in Functional Outcomes (Oxford Elbow Score - OES)

    Description: This study will assess whether PRP improves elbow function and daily activity performance in LET patients. Assessment Tool: Oxford Elbow Score (OES) Scale: 0 to 48 (0 = worst function/pain, 48 = best function/pain) Higher scores indicate better functional outcomes.

    12 months

Other Outcomes (1)

  • Healing Process of Tendons

    12 months

Study Arms (3)

Standardized PRP Injection

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

A standardized PRP preparation protocol (without commercial kits) is used, ensuring consistency in platelet concentration. Preparation Process: Blood Collection: 30 ml of venous blood drawn from each patient Centrifugation: 7 minutes at 2,054 g using MPV-223e centrifuge Separation: Blood fractionated into erythrocytes, leukocytes, PRP, and platelet-poor plasma PRP Isolation: Pure PRP extracted for injection Injection Procedure: 2 ml of PRP injected into the tendon pain area, with 1 ml retained for laboratory analysis

Other: effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating lateral epicondylar tendinopathy (LET)

Standardized leukocyte-rich PRP (L-PRP)

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

A standardized leukocyte-rich PRP (L-PRP) preparation protocol (without commercial kits) is used to ensure consistency in platelet and leukocyte concentrations. Preparation Process: Blood Collection: 30 ml of venous blood drawn from each patient Centrifugation: 7 minutes at 2,054 g using MPV-223e centrifuge Separation: Blood fractionated into erythrocytes, leukocytes, PRP, and platelet-poor plasma L-PRP Isolation: Leukocyte-rich PRP extracted for injection Injection Procedure: 2 ml of L-PRP injected into the tendon pain area, with 1 ml retained for laboratory analysis

Other: effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating lateral epicondylar tendinopathy (LET)

Saline Injection (Placebo Control)

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

A placebo control group receiving a standardized saline injection to evaluate the efficacy of PRP and L-PRP treatments. Procedure: Injection of 2 ml of sterile saline into the tendon pain area, following the same protocol as the PRP and L-PRP groups.

Other: effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating lateral epicondylar tendinopathy (LET)

Interventions

The intervention involves the administration of PRP (platelet-rich plasma), L-PRP (leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma), and saline according to a protocol developed for patients with lateral epicondylitis (EPi lat). The intervention includes specific parameters such as centrifugation speed and dual injection to the painful site, which is repeated after one week. Following the procedure, treatment continues with a rehabilitation program, including the use of an orthosis. The orthosis serves as support during the recovery process after the injection. The rehabilitation program and the use of the orthosis aim to improve joint function and reduce pain, supporting tissue healing and regeneration.

Saline Injection (Placebo Control)Standardized PRP InjectionStandardized leukocyte-rich PRP (L-PRP)

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years+
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsAdult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

  • first-time diagnosis of chronic lateral epicondylitis with a duration of at least 1 month, age of 18 years or more, and signed informed consent to participate in the study

You may not qualify if:

  • pregnancy, any previous treatment for the condition (including injections around the elbow, rehabilitation, or use of orthoses), previous surgical treatment of the elbow, other painful elbow conditions, co-existing upper limb and/or neck pain, prior elbow trauma or arthritic changes, posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) neuropathy, and systemic disorders

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Rehasport

Poznan, Wielkopolska, Poland

Location

Related Publications (17)

  • Kushida S, Kakudo N, Morimoto N, Hara T, Ogawa T, Mitsui T, Kusumoto K. Platelet and growth factor concentrations in activated platelet-rich plasma: a comparison of seven commercial separation systems. J Artif Organs. 2014 Jun;17(2):186-92. doi: 10.1007/s10047-014-0761-5. Epub 2014 Apr 20.

    PMID: 24748436BACKGROUND
  • Dohan Ehrenfest DM, Rasmusson L, Albrektsson T. Classification of platelet concentrates: from pure platelet-rich plasma (P-PRP) to leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF). Trends Biotechnol. 2009 Mar;27(3):158-67. doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2008.11.009. Epub 2009 Jan 31.

    PMID: 19187989BACKGROUND
  • Chaudhury S, de La Lama M, Adler RS, Gulotta LV, Skonieczki B, Chang A, Moley P, Cordasco F, Hannafin J, Fealy S. Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: sonographic assessment of tendon morphology and vascularity (pilot study). Skeletal Radiol. 2013 Jan;42(1):91-7. doi: 10.1007/s00256-012-1518-y. Epub 2012 Sep 22.

    PMID: 23001116BACKGROUND
  • Fulginiti VA. A new pertussis vaccine: hope for the future? J Infect Dis. 1983 Jul;148(1):146-7. doi: 10.1093/infdis/148.1.146. No abstract available.

    PMID: 6350485BACKGROUND
  • Palacio EP, Schiavetti RR, Kanematsu M, Ikeda TM, Mizobuchi RR, Galbiatti JA. Effects of platelet-rich plasma on lateral epicondylitis of the elbow: prospective randomized controlled trial. Rev Bras Ortop. 2016 Jan 13;51(1):90-5. doi: 10.1016/j.rboe.2015.03.014. eCollection 2016 Jan-Feb.

    PMID: 26962506BACKGROUND
  • Dronamraju KR. The origins of human gene mapping. With particular reference to the contributions of J. B. S. Haldane. Genomics. 1987 Nov;1(3):270-6. doi: 10.1016/0888-7543(87)90054-1.

    PMID: 3328738BACKGROUND
  • Yadav R, Kothari SY, Borah D. Comparison of Local Injection of Platelet Rich Plasma and Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis of Humerus. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 Jul;9(7):RC05-7. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2015/14087.6213. Epub 2015 Jul 1.

    PMID: 26393174BACKGROUND
  • Gautam VK, Verma S, Batra S, Bhatnagar N, Arora S. Platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroid injection for recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis: clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2015 Apr;23(1):1-5. doi: 10.1177/230949901502300101.

    PMID: 25920633BACKGROUND
  • Italiano JE Jr, Richardson JL, Patel-Hett S, Battinelli E, Zaslavsky A, Short S, Ryeom S, Folkman J, Klement GL. Angiogenesis is regulated by a novel mechanism: pro- and antiangiogenic proteins are organized into separate platelet alpha granules and differentially released. Blood. 2008 Feb 1;111(3):1227-33. doi: 10.1182/blood-2007-09-113837. Epub 2007 Oct 25.

    PMID: 17962514BACKGROUND
  • El-Sharkawy H, Kantarci A, Deady J, Hasturk H, Liu H, Alshahat M, Van Dyke TE. Platelet-rich plasma: growth factors and pro- and anti-inflammatory properties. J Periodontol. 2007 Apr;78(4):661-9. doi: 10.1902/jop.2007.060302.

    PMID: 17397313BACKGROUND
  • Cieslik-Bielecka A, Gazdzik TS, Bielecki TM, Cieslik T. Why the platelet-rich gel has antimicrobial activity? Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2007 Mar;103(3):303-5; author reply 305-6. doi: 10.1016/j.tripleo.2006.08.034. Epub 2007 Jan 2. No abstract available.

    PMID: 17197209BACKGROUND
  • Filardo G, Kon E, Di Matteo B, Di Martino A, Tesei G, Pelotti P, Cenacchi A, Marcacci M. Platelet-rich plasma injections for the treatment of refractory Achilles tendinopathy: results at 4 years. Blood Transfus. 2014 Oct;12(4):533-40. doi: 10.2450/2014.0289-13. Epub 2014 Jun 19.

    PMID: 24960641BACKGROUND
  • Dohan Ehrenfest DM, Andia I, Zumstein MA, Zhang CQ, Pinto NR, Bielecki T. Classification of platelet concentrates (Platelet-Rich Plasma-PRP, Platelet-Rich Fibrin-PRF) for topical and infiltrative use in orthopedic and sports medicine: current consensus, clinical implications and perspectives. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2014 May 8;4(1):3-9. eCollection 2014 Jan.

    PMID: 24932440BACKGROUND
  • Baksh N, Hannon CP, Murawski CD, Smyth NA, Kennedy JG. Platelet-rich plasma in tendon models: a systematic review of basic science literature. Arthroscopy. 2013 Mar;29(3):596-607. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2012.10.025. Epub 2013 Jan 24.

    PMID: 23352397BACKGROUND
  • Mazzocca AD, McCarthy MB, Chowaniec DM, Dugdale EM, Hansen D, Cote MP, Bradley JP, Romeo AA, Arciero RA, Beitzel K. The positive effects of different platelet-rich plasma methods on human muscle, bone, and tendon cells. Am J Sports Med. 2012 Aug;40(8):1742-9. doi: 10.1177/0363546512452713. Epub 2012 Jul 16.

    PMID: 22802273BACKGROUND
  • Gosens T, Peerbooms JC, van Laar W, den Oudsten BL. Ongoing positive effect of platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroid injection in lateral epicondylitis: a double-blind randomized controlled trial with 2-year follow-up. Am J Sports Med. 2011 Jun;39(6):1200-8. doi: 10.1177/0363546510397173. Epub 2011 Mar 21.

    PMID: 21422467BACKGROUND
  • Walecka J, Bakowski P, Jokiel M, Trabka R, Chaszczewska-Markowska M, Ghete D, Gurda-Wozna D, Fedoruk-Wyszomirska A, Lubiatowski P, Wyszko E, Tyczewska A, Bakowska-Zywicka K. Molecular background behind lateral elbow pain reduction with Leukocyte-Rich and Leukocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Plasma-randomized control trial and single-cell platelet analysis. Int Orthop. 2026 Jan 24. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06719-6. Online ahead of print.

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Tennis ElbowInsomnia, Fatal Familial

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Elbow TendinopathyTendinopathyMuscular DiseasesMusculoskeletal DiseasesElbow InjuriesArm InjuriesWounds and InjuriesTendon InjuriesPrion DiseasesCentral Nervous System InfectionsInfectionsCentral Nervous System DiseasesNervous System DiseasesNeurodegenerative DiseasesSleep Initiation and Maintenance DisordersSleep Disorders, IntrinsicDyssomniasSleep Wake Disorders

Study Officials

  • Joanna Walecka, MD, PhD

    Rehasport Clinic

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
  • Przemyslaw Lubiatowski, MD, Phd,

    Rehasport Clinic

    STUDY DIRECTOR

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
DOUBLE
Who Masked
PARTICIPANT, CARE PROVIDER
Purpose
TREATMENT
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

January 13, 2025

First Posted

March 3, 2025

Study Start

January 2, 2017

Primary Completion

February 10, 2024

Study Completion

March 10, 2024

Last Updated

March 3, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-02

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will not share

Locations