TREATMENT OF LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS OF THE ELBOW WITH HYALURONIC ACID INJECTIONS

TRATAMENTO DA EPICONDILITE LATERAL DO COTOVELO COM INFILTRAÇÕES DE ÁCIDO HIALURÔNICO

ABSTRACT

Introduction  The primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of hyaluronic acid injections for lateral epicondylitis. Secondary objectives included assessing pain and functional outcomes at various time points following the injection.

Methods  This prospective cohort study included patients who received two hyaluronic acid injections one week apart after prior conservative treatment. Assessments were conducted at two and six weeks, and at three, six, and 12 months post-injection. Outcome measures were pain scores (Visual Analogue Scale), functional assessment (Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation), and injection site complications.

Results  A total of 46 patients (52 elbows) were included. Significant improvements were observed in pain scores measured by VAS at rest, from 4.5±2.8 initially to 2.7±2.8 at 3 months and 2.3±3.0 at 12 months (p<0.001). Similar improvements were seen in VAS scores during maximum hand grip strength, from 5.8±3.1 initially to 2.8±3.4 at 12 months (p<0.001). SANE score also improved significantly. No complications were reported.

Conclusions  Treatment of lateral epicondylitis with hyaluronic acid showed statistically significant improvement in VAS scores at rest and during maximum hand grip strength, as well as in SANE scores, with no reported complications. Level of Evidence IV; Case Series.

Keywords:
Tennis Elbow; Lateral Epicondylitis; Hyaluronic Acid; Viscosupplementation