Current Research

ORCA is now enrolling patients for a national research study on the treatment of tennis elbow, also known as chronic elbow tendinosis, or lateral epicondylitis. The study has been approved to determine the safety and effectiveness of concentrated platelets, also known as platelet rich plasma (PRP), in the treatment of tennis elbow.  Participants in the study will receive a single injection performed in the office.

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition of the elbow caused by overuse.  It is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow.  The forearm muscles and tendons often become damaged from overuse - repeating the same motions again and again.  This leads to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. 

There are many treatment options for tennis elbow, including rest, bracing, medication, physical therapy, steroid injections, and even surgery. The healing process is typically slow.

This study compares treatment of tennis elbow with an injection of concentrated platelets (PRP) versus an injection of Bupivicaine, a recognized treatment for elbow tendinosis.  Neither the patient nor the study doctor will know which treatment has been administered.  Follow-up occurs over a 24-week period.  There is no cost to the patient.

Study participants must have suffered from elbow pain for at least three months, and failed to respond to traditional treatment such as physical therapy, medication, or bracing.

For more information on this FDA-approved Clinic Trial, visit http://www.biomet.com/patients/clinical_recruitment_recover.cfm, see the attached brochure, or contact our office.