Authors/ publication year

Sample characteristics and size

Study groups

Injection protocol

Measured outcomes

Follow up intervals

Result

Seven M.M. et al., (2017) [35]

Patients with chronic rotator cuff lesions and symptoms longer than six months (n = 120)

Intervention: dextrose 25% injection and exercise (n = 60)

Control: only exercise (n = 60)

Three sessions weekly for 12 weeks; under ultrasound guidance

1. Pain (VAS score)

2. Function and Disability (SPADI, WORC)

3. Shoulder ROM

4. Patient satisfaction

3, 6, 12, 24 weeks

Significant improvements over baseline, as measured by the VAS, SPADI, WORC index, and shoulder range of motion in both groups, between-group difference, is significant in the dextrose group

Yellend M. et al., (2019) [36]

Participants with lateral epicondylalgia of at least six weeks’ duration (n = 120)

Prolotherapy: dextrose 20% injection (n = 40)

physiotherapy (n = 40)

prolotherapy and physiotherapy combination (n = 40)

Prolotherapy: 4 sessions, monthly intervals; physiotherapy: weekly for 4 sessions

Palpation method

1. Function (PRTEE and the participant’s perceived Global Impression of Change (GIC))

6, 12, 26, 52 weeks

Significant improvements compared with baseline status for all outcomes and groups, but no significant differences between groups at 52 weeks

Ahadi T. et al., 2019 [37]

Patients with at least three months of signs and symptoms of lateral epicondilosis (n = 33)

Prolotherapy group: dextrose 20% (n = 17)

Shock wave group: (n = 16)

One injection in the prolotherapy group; under ultrasound guidance,

Three sessions of shock wave therapy at weekly intervals

1. Pain (VAS score)

2. Function (quick-DASH)

3. Grip strength (using a dynamometer)

4. Pressure pain threshold (PPT)

4 and 8 weeks after treatment

VAS and Quick DASH had significantly more improvement in the shock wave group after 4 and 8 weeks.

both groups were similar regarding grip strength and PPT

Akcay S. et al., (2020) [39]

Patients with resistant pain at the lateral side of the elbow lasting minimum of 3 months (n = 60)

Intervention: dextrose 15% injection (n = 30)

Control: normal saline injection (n = 30)

Injection at 0, 4, and 8^th week; anatomic approach

1. Pain (VAS score)

2. Function (PRTEE, DASH)

3. Pain-free grip strength

4, 8, 12 weeks

Significant improvement in all scores during the study in both groups; more significant PRTEE-T and VAS rest improvement at dextrose group in 4th week