Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: A Retrospective Analysis

Background: ‘De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQT) is a common stenosing tendinopathy of the wrist characterized by discomfort and functional impairment resulting from inflammation of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons. Corticosteroid injections can give short-term relief, but there is a chance that the problem will come again and have localized effects. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a physiologically active autologous concentrate, has recently emerged as a promising restorative therapeutic option. The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic efficacy of ultrasound-guided autologous PRP injection in patients with DQT, along with the short- and long-term enhancements in pain and hand function. Material and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 30 patients diagnosed with DQT (8 males, 22 females; mean age 43.1 ± 9.8 years) who underwent a single PRP injection. ‘The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score were employed at baseline, three weeks, and six months post-intervention. We employed Rev Man 5.4 for statistical analysis, with p-values below 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Results: The study demonstrated a notable reduction in VAS (MD = -4.2, 95% CI: -5.1 to -3.3, p < 0.001) and an improvement in DASH scores (MD = -22.5, 95% CI: -28.7 to -16.3, p < 0.001). The rates of improvement were 90% at 3 weeks and 6 months, with a little amount of variation (I² = 12% for VAS and 18% for DASH)’. There were no major negative events. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided PRP injection is a safe, effective, and long-lasting treatment for DQT that works better than regular anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and help people get back to normal.

Keywords: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, platelet-rich plasma, ultrasound-guided injection, pain management, tendon regeneration, corticosteroid comparison, DASH score, VAS, musculoskeletal rehabilitation; regenerative therapy.