NCT06815042

The Analysis of Efficacy Factors for Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy in the Treatment of Elbow Tendinopathy

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: Phase 4
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Sponsor: CHA University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 19 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

To identify key factors influencing the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in treating elbow tendinopathy, a common degenerative condition.

Detailed description

This study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness and limitations of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in treating elbow tendinopathy, a degenerative condition that includes lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow). These conditions cause pain and reduced function in the elbow, with lateral epicondylitis being more common. PRP, a regenerative treatment made from the patient's own blood, contains platelets concentrated 3-5 times higher than normal blood, releasing growth factors like TGF-β, PDGF, IGF, and EGF, which help tissue repair. PRP therapy was first introduced for elbow tendinopathy in 2006 and has since been recognized for its potential in pain relief and healing, becoming a reimbursable treatment in Korea since 2023. However, inconsistent clinical outcomes have been reported due to differences in PRP preparation methods and platelet concentrations. Research suggests that higher platelet counts and specific growth factors may enhance PRP effectiveness. The International Society on Thrombosis \& Haemostasis classifies PRP based on platelet concentration, with some studies indicating that higher levels of TGF-β and IL-1β improve outcomes. This study aims to identify the key components of PRP that influence treatment success, focusing on platelet concentration and growth factor levels. The goal is to establish optimal PRP preparation guidelines to ensure consistent and effective results for elbow tendinopathy, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Conditions

• Elbow Tendinopathy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BIOLOGICAL	Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection	Participants will receive autologous PRP injections prepared from their own blood to treat elbow tendinopathy. PRP is a plasma product with a 3-5 times higher platelet concentration than normal blood, containing growth factors such as TGF-β, PDGF, IGF, and EGF, which are known to promote tissue repair and regeneration. The PRP will be injected directly into the affected tendon area to evaluate its clinical effectiveness and the relationship between platelet concentration, growth factors, and treatment outcomes.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-02-01
• Primary completion: 2025-12-01
• Completion: 2025-12-01
• First posted: 2025-02-07
• Last updated: 2025-02-07

Locations

1 site across 1 country: South Korea