Comparing different injection treatments for tennis elbow
Official title: A Prospective, Double Blind, Single Centre, RCT, Comparing the Effectiveness of Physiotherapy in Addition to One of 3 Types of Image Guided Injection of the Common Extensor Tendon, on Pain and Function in Patients With Tennis Elbow.
Run by Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust · NCT03984955 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests different injection treatments for tennis elbow to see which one helps reduce pain and improve function for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 123 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Wigan, Lancashire) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 18, 2018 |
| Main results expected | February 6, 2028 |
| Study ends | February 6, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03984955 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis and symptoms lasting more than three months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have had recent injections or those with specific contraindications to the treatments may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of various injection treatments for tennis elbow, a common condition caused by overuse of the wrist extensor muscles. Patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis will be randomly assigned to receive either Platelet-Rich Plasma injections, sodium hyaluronate injections, or a sham injection, alongside a standardized physiotherapy program. The study aims to evaluate pain relief and functional improvement through validated patient-reported outcome measures. Participants will complete demographic questionnaires and pain scales to assess their condition before and after treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with more effective treatment options for long-term relief from tennis elbow pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that Platelet-Rich Plasma and hyaluronic acid injections can be more effective than corticosteroid injections for tennis elbow, indicating a promising approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Invitations to participate in the study will be extended to male and female patients, 18 years and above, referred to the Orthopaedic Departments who receive a diagnosis of Lateral Epicondyle Tendinosis (with or without degenerative changes) with symptoms present for \> 3 months, whose symptoms and clinical evaluation warrant the prescription of a peri-tendinous injection to relieve symptoms and who are competent to give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Absence of tenderness at the lateral epicondyle. * Congenital or traumatic bio-mechanical deformities of Elbow complex. * Previous Corticosteroidal, Local Anaesthetic, PRP or Hyaluronic Acid injections to target elbow within the last three months. * Known hypersensitivity to PRP, Hyaluronic acid or any excipients associated with any of the prescribed injections. * Known contraindication to any treatments constituting normal/appropriate therapy in the view of the Consulting clinician including local infection * Ipsilateral arm pathology severe enough to cause confusion of localised pain perception. * Pregnant or lactating women * Pain score less than 4/10 * Patients commenced on medication for the treatment of anxiety or depression within the last 6 weeks * Previous involved in research in last 12 months * Any progressive, degenerative neuromuscular disorder
Where it's running
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Wrightington Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
Wigan, Lancashire, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Adam Watts — Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Heavy slow-resistance wrist exercises and shoulder stabilization to reduce pain and improve grip in tennis elbow
This test will compare six weeks of heavy slow-resistance wrist exercises against shoulder stabilization exercises to see which better reduces pain and improves grip and function in adults aged 30–50 with tennis elbow.
-
High- vs low-dose high-intensity laser therapy for tennis elbow
This tests whether higher or lower doses of high-intensity laser therapy help adults with recent-onset tennis elbow.
-
Mesotherapy versus extracorporeal shock wave therapy for tennis elbow
This trial will test whether mesotherapy works as well as extracorporeal shock wave therapy to reduce pain and improve function in adults (18–65) with tennis elbow.
-
Testing a new implant for treating tennis elbow
This study is testing a new patch to see if it can help people with tennis elbow heal better after surgery compared to just having the standard surgery alone.
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Ultrasound-guided nerve block and injections for elbow pain in lateral epicondylitis
This study tests whether an ultrasound-guided posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm epicondylar branch block, with or without a triamcinolone injection, can reduce pain and improve elbow function in adults with lateral epicondylitis.
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Central Sensitization and Ultrasound in Lateral Epicondylitis
This study tests whether people with chronic tennis elbow have different pressure pain thresholds and ultrasound findings compared with healthy controls.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.