title: Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection for distal biceps tendinopathy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Distal biceps tendinopathy is an uncommon cause of elbow pain. The optimum treatment for cases refractory to conservative treatment is unclear. Platelet-rich plasma has been used successfully for other tendinopathies around the elbow.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six patients with clinical and radiological evidence of distal biceps tendinopathy underwent ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. Clinical examination findings, visual analogue score (VAS) for pain and Mayo Elbow Performance scores were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Mayo Elbow Performance Score improved from 68.3 (range 65 to 85) (fair function) to 95 (range 85 to 100) (excellent function). The VAS at rest improved from a mean of 2.25 (range 2 to 5) pre-injection to 0. The VAS with movement improved from a mean of 7.25 (range 5 to 8) pre-injection to 1.3 (range 0 to 2). No complications were noted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ultrasound-guided PRP injection appears to be a safe and effective treatment for recalcitrant cases of distal biceps tendinopathy. Further investigation with a randomized controlled trial is needed to fully assess its efficacy.
authors: Melbourne Shoulder and Elbow Centre, Brighton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University Department of Surgery, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
authors: Scott L
authors: SL
authors: Barker
authors: Melbourne Shoulder and Elbow Centre, Brighton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University Department of Surgery, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
authors: Simon N
authors: SN
authors: Bell
authors: Olympic Park Imaging, AAMI Park, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Connell
authors: Melbourne Shoulder and Elbow Centre, Brighton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University Department of Surgery, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
authors: Jennifer A
authors: JA
authors: Coghlan
keywords: Distal biceps; PRP injection; tendinopathy; ultrasound-guided