Elbow tendinopathy and occupational biomechanical overload: A systematic review with best-evidence synthesis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the evidence of an association between occupational and non-occupational exposure to biomechanical risk factors and lateral elbow tendinopathy, medial elbow tendinopathy, and olecranon bursitis. METHODS: We carried out a systematic review of the literature. We searched MEDLINE (up to November 2019) and checked the reference lists of relevant articles/reviews. We aimed to include studies where (a) the diagnosis was based on physical examination (symptoms plus clinical signs) and imaging data (if any); and (b) the exposure was evaluated with video analysis and/or direct measurements. A quality assessment of the included studies was performed along with an evaluation of the level of evidence of a causal relationship. RESULTS: We included four studies in the qualitative synthesis: two prospective cohorts and two cross-sectional studies. All the included studies investigated "lateral/medial epicondylitis", albeit the diagnosis was not supported by imaging techniques. Two cohort studies suggested that a combination of biomechanical risk factors for wrist/forearm is associated with increased risk of "lateral epicondylitis". This association was not observed in the two included cross-sectional studies. The cohort studies suggested that a Strain Index score higher than 5 or 6.1 could double the risk of "lateral epicondylitis". No association with increased risk of "medial epicondylitis" was observed. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence of a causal relationship between occupational exposure to biomechanical risk factors and lateral elbow tendinopathy. For medial elbow tendinopathy, the evidence is insufficient to support this causal relationship. No studies on olecranon bursitis and biomechanical overload were identified.

Effect of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy in combination with autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of elbow tendinopathy.

Tendinopathy is a common condition of both the athletic and general population and can be associated with significant pain and disability. The ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to differentiate along a mesodermal cell lineage, including tenocytes, and secrete various bioactive regenerative and anti-inflammatory molecules has seen them considered as a future reparative therapy for tendinopathy. Preclinical trials with MSCs have shown promising positive functional and structural outcomes in several connective tissue related conditions. A 52-year-old male professional masters golfer presents with a clinical history of common extensor origin tendinopathy of the elbow. Subsequent formal ultrasound showed evidence of a large intrasubstance tear. The patient underwent intratendinous autologous adipose-derived MSC therapy in combination with autologous platelet-rich plasma. Following treatment, the patient reported progressive improvement as measured by the validated Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation score. Repeat imaging showed successful regeneration of tendon-like tissue.