TY - JOUR T1 - Evidence-based journal watch JF - British Journal of Sports Medicine JO - Br J Sports Med SP - 1010 LP - 1012 DO - 10.1136/bjsports-2011-090423 VL - 45 IS - 12 AU - Martin P Schwellnus Y1 - 2011/09/01 UR - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/45/12/1010.abstract N2 - ▶ Kazemi M, Azma K, Tavana B, et al. Autologous blood versus corticosteroid local injection in the short-term treatment of lateral elbow tendinopathy. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2010;89:660–7.OpenUrlCrossRefPubMedWeb of Science Background A number of treatment modalities have been suggested for the management of chronic lateral epicondylopathy (‘tennis’ elbow). Research question/s Does a local autologous blood injection improve pain and function more than a local corticosteroid injection in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy? Methodology Subjects 60 patients with lateral epicondylopathy (‘tennis’ elbow) (27–64 years). Experimental procedure All the subjects were assessed (pain (VAS-severity in last 24 h; pain and strength in maximum grip; pressure pain threshold), disability (arm, shoulder, and hand quick questionnaire – Quick DASH scores; modified Nirschl scores)) and then randomised to either injection with either methylprednisolone (CORT group=30; male=4, 20 mg and 1 ml lidocaine) or autologous blood group (AB group=30; male=7; 2 ml blood and 1 ml lidocaine). Re-assessment were conducted at 4 and 8 weeks postinjection. Measures of outcome Pain, DASH score, Nirschl score, muscle strength and pressure pain threshold. Main finding/s 4 weeks There was a significantly greater improvement in pain (p=0.001), pain in grip (p=0.002), pressure pain threshold (p=0.031), and Quick DASH questionnaire score (p=0.004) in the AB compared with the CORT group. 8 weeks There was a significantly greater improvement of outcome measures in the AB compared with the CRT group (all p values <0.001). Conclusion/s In a short-term (8 weeks) randomised, … ER -