Abstract

Lateral epicondylosis affects nearly 2% of general population. It's etiology and management still remain controversial but is more commonly seen in daily wage workers. Numerous researches have showcased benefits with local injection of autologous blood and polidocanol individually however, there is inadequate research to compare the outcome of local autologous blood injection and polidocanol injection. This was a comparative study for assessing the clinical and functional outcomes of local autologous blood versus polidocanol injection using Nirschl score for treatment of lateral epicondylosis of elbow. Materials and Methods: 60 patients (age group-18 to 60 years) with lateral epicondylosis of elbow for >3 months were chosen and randomized into 2 groups. 30 patients were injected with autologous blood and 30 patients with polidocanol after Nirschl staging. Patients were assessed clinically at 6 & 12 weeks after the treatment and were again staged by Nirschl staging on both the visits. Results: 60 patients successfully completed 12 weeks follow-up and were included in the analysis. It was observed that clinically patients in group 1 had better Nirschl scores at 6 and 12 weeks. Statistical comparison between the two groups revealed that mean values of Nirschl score were lower in group I (4.41+1.004 and 3.71+1.532 at 6 weeks and 12 weeks of follow-up respectively) as compared to group II (4.76+1.300 and 4.47+1.281 at 6 weeks and 12 weeks follow-up respectively). More symptomatic improvement was noted in group I (18/30) than in group 2 (21/30). However the difference in the mean values of Nirschl score between the groups was not statistically significant. (p value =0.342). Conclusion: Although Autologous blood injection showed a better clinical outcome in comparison to Polidocanol injection, the difference was not statistically significant.

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