Treatment of Medial and Lateral Elbow Tendinosis with an Injectable Amniotic Membrane Allograft a retrospective case series

Abstract

1.1 Background: Epicondylitis is the second most frequently encountered head and upper limb musculoskeletal diagnosis in primary care clinics, with an incidence rate as high as 7/1,000 patients per year. Chronic or recalcitrant epicondylitis- more appropriately termed epicondylosis or elbow tendinosis- is not uncommon and represents a notable set of pathologies which account for lost recreation time, decreased quality of life, and workers compensation claims. A novel non-operative option has recently become available in the form of micronized dehydrated human amniotic/chorionic membrane (mDHACM) allograft. 1.2 Hypothesis: mDHACM allograft is known to be rich in anti-inflammatory cytokines and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase and IL-10. It also contains an abundance of growth factors and cytokines. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown reduction in scar tissue. We hypothesize that mDHACM allograft will be a viable treatment option in patients with epicondylosis. 1.3 Study design: Retrospective case series 1.4 Level of evidence: IV 1.5 Methods: Charts were retrospectively reviewed for 10 patients who received mDHACM allograft injections for treatment of medial or lateral epicondylosis.