Clinical Outcomes of Mesotherapy for Lateral Epicondylitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the effectiveness of mesotherapy in reducing pain intensity and improving upper limb function in patients with lateral epicondylitis.
METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2024 and February 2025. Adults with lateral epicondylitis who completed a standardized mesotherapy protocol were included. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and upper limb function was evaluated using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at the one-month follow-up. Nonparametric tests and robust regression analyses were employed to analyze outcome changes and predictors of response.
RESULTS: A total of 222 patients were included (mean age, 49.6±9.8 years; 58% female). Mean VAS scores improved from 7.08±1.13 at baseline to 5.9±1.4 post-treatment and 5.4±1.3 at follow-up (p<0.001). QuickDASH scores improved from 64.12±16.53 at baseline to 43.9±14.8 post-treatment and 34.0±13.9 at follow-up (p<0.001). Clinically meaningful pain reduction was achieved by 75.7% of patients, and 97.3% achieved functional improvement. Notably, higher body mass index was associated with attenuated response.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Mesotherapy was associated with significant and sustained reductions in pain and functional disability among patients with lateral epicondylitis. These results suggest that mesotherapy is a promising minimally invasive therapeutic option, warranting confirmation through future randomized controlled trials.

Keywords: Lateral epicondylitis, mesotherapy, minimally invasive therapy, pain management, tendinopathy.