Comparing different injection treatments for tennis elbow

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.

Not applicable Interventional Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust · NCT03984955

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment123 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorWrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other
Locations1 site (Wigan, Lancashire)
Trial IDNCT03984955 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis and symptoms lasting more than three months.

Not a fit: Patients who have had recent injections or those with specific contraindications to the treatments may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Wigan, Lancashire

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Tennis ElbowLateral EpicondylitisElbows Tendonitis
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.