Eficacia del plasma rico en plaquetas versus corticoides para el tratamiento de la epicondilitis lateral. Revisión sistemática

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that affects the tendon insertion of the forearm extensors. Its etiology is associated with repetitive microtrauma leading to tendon degeneration. Conventional treatment includes physical therapy, analgesics, and corticosteroid injections. However, the recurrence of symptoms and limited long-term efficacy have encouraged the search for alternative therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which has emerged as an option based on the regenerative potential of platelet growth factors. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections compared to corticosteroids in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, searching for scientific articles in indexed databases, including PubMed and Scopus. Studies published between 2010 and 2025 on the effectiveness of PRP versus corticosteroids in patients with lateral epicondylitis were selected, and methodological quality was assessed using the RoB 2 tool. Results: The studies analyzed showed that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) provides sustained efficacy with functional improvement and pain reduction between 3 and 24 months, surpassing corticosteroids, whose effect is immediate but transient and associated with a high relapse rate, as well as potential degenerative effects on the tendon.

Keywords: corticosteroid, lateral epicondylitis, platelet-rich plasma, treatment.