Efficacy of CTM for Tennis ELbow

Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy (LET) is considered an overload injury of the extensor tendons of the forearm where they attach at the lateral epicondyle. LET is a common condition encountered both in primary care and specialty clinics. A population-based study reported an incidence of 3.4 (95% CI, 3.3-3.5) per 1000. The highest incidence was among individuals aged 40 to 49 years, with 7.8 per 1000 in male patients and 10.2 per 1000 in female patients. Work restrictions were reported in 16% of the patients, and 4% reported missing 1 to 12 weeks of work. The recurrence rate within 2 years was 8.5% and remained constant over time. The study data suggest that patients without resolution after 6 months of onset may have a prolonged disease course and may need surgical intervention. The patient demographic is typically active in the workforce and LET related absenteeism results in a substantial economic impact. Pain relief, timely return to work, and avoidance of surgical intervention are therefore important LET treatment goals. Patients suffering from LET are grouped into 2 entities: Group 1 experience symptoms in an acute (tendinitis) phase that is largely influenced by the local inflammation stemming from over-use activities. Group 2 developed tendon degeneration and/or bony responses due to a persistent, chronic (tendinosis) pathology. Histologic specimens from chronic cases confirm that tendinosis is not an acute inflammatory condition but rather a failure of the normal tendon repair mechanism associated with angio-fibroblastic degeneration. The cause of elbow tendinosis is most likely a combination of mechanical overloading and abnormal microvascular responses. Further research into the precise cause of tendinosis is, however, still needed. The chief complaint in both groups is elbow pain with or without activity. Numerous methods have been advocated for treating LET including rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, bracing, physical therapy, iontophoresis, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, and botulism toxin. Injections of corticosteroids or whole blood, and various types of surgical procedures have also been recommended. The utility of several of these treatments has recently come into question. For example, one recent report noted that there is no difference between using corticosteroid or local anesthetic when treating elbow tendinosis with an injection. A recent review of common growth factors suggested human CTA may be useful for tendon and ligament healing in vivo.

The primary study endpoint is based on the hypothesis that treatment of LET with a single application of CTA will provide a clinically meaningful improvement of the Patient-Related Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) Pain Subscale Secondary endpoints include VAS pain and elbow range of motion. Secondary endpoints also include PROMIS scores of pain interference and depression. A single assessment numerical evaluation (SANE) of elbow function will also be obtained.