Houston Archives - Platelet Rich Plasma (Houston) Spine & Sport

Meta-Analysis Shows PRP Improves Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow Brace Lateral epicondylitis, more commonly known as tennis elbow, is the most frequent reason people see the physician for elbow pain. Tennis elbow is a swelling of the tendons that connect the lower arm to the elbow and is caused by any repetitive, gripping type activities – not just …

Tennis Elbow

Lateral epicondylitis, more commonly known as tennis elbow, is the most frequent reason people see the physician for elbow pain. Tennis elbow is a swelling of the tendons that connect the lower arm to the elbow and is caused by any repetitive, gripping type activities – not just tennis. Corticosteroid (CS) injections offer short-term relief and have been the treatment of choice since the 1950s, but since several studies have shown no long-term benefit from steroid injections clinicians are turning to newer biological therapies. Orthopedic researchers in Bangkok, Thailand conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the clinical effects of two biological treatment options, autologous blood (more…)

More Evidence for Platelet Rich Plasma Use in Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee Osteoarthritis

Regenerative medical researchers in Barcelona, Spain are investigating new treatments, such as PRP, for osteoarthritis (OA) that address the underlying disease pathology rather than simply treat symptoms. The goal is to improve quality of life and physical function in persons with osteoarthritis. There currently is no curative approach for the millions of people with OA. Treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is commonly prescribed but many people, especially the elderly, have a high risk of side effects with NSAIDs.

Recently autologous plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF), commonly called PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma in the US, rich in proteins, has been considered a promising regenerative approach to stimulate chondrocytes to produce more cartilage (Cartilage is destroyed in OA). PRGF has a high concentration of growth factors. These factors act specifically on the tissue to repair and heal and have been shown to stimulate (more…)

Platelet Rich Plasma Improves Outcomes in Knee Arthritis

A study found in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine followed 22 patients with early stage knee osteoarthritis to examine the effect of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) on the patients’ pain and function. Patients’ ages were 30 to 70 years with an average age of 54 years, and all of them had experienced knee pain for about 14 months prior to the study. Early stage knee osteoarthritis in each patient was confirmed at the beginning of the study by MRI.

Each of the patients had twenty ml (about 4 teaspoons) of blood drawn and this blood was then spun down to a solution of 6 mls of concentrated platelets (a little more than 1 teaspoon). This concentrated PRP solution was injected into patients’ arthritic knee joints. All patients received one injection. (more…)

Corticosteroid Injections Damage Cartilage in Rabbit Models

Corticosteroid Injections Damage Cartilage

Clinicians began to treat a variety of joint conditions with corticosteroid injections around 1950. Since clinical improvement was noted, physicians began to use the injections more frequently. Scientists at the University of Montreal were prompted to study effects of steroid injections on cartilage because of reports that a significant number of patients experienced accelerated the joint damage. Researchers chose the rabbit model to study because the rabbit knee is similar to the human knee and they could be microscopically examined for tissue changes.

The researchers injected 25 mg of hydrocortisone over 2 to 12 weeks into rabbit knees and studied the effect on three major components of the joint: proteoglycans (joint proteins that provide structure and lubrication), collagen (the main fiber in cartilage, provides strength and shock absorption) and chondrocytes (The main cells found in cartilage – chondrocytes produce collagen and proteoglycans). As a control, one group of rabbits received weekly saline injections for 12 weeks. (more…)

Treatment of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Elbow Injuries with PRP

Elbow Injuries

Overhead throwing athletes are at an increased risk of Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) injuries. The overhead throwing motion places stress over the UCL complex. Over time the ligament can develop micro-injuries that exceed the body’s ability to heal. Micro tears can develop, and at times complete rupture may occur. Surgical reconstruction of the UCL can improve outcomes. However, not all throwing athletes return to prior levels of competition and the time to return to play can be 1 to 2 years. Additional treatment techniques to improve return to play rates are needed for overhead throwing athletes.

At Houston Spine & Sports Medicine, we have been treating Ulnar Collateral Ligament injuries with ultrasound-guided regenerative techniques, such as prolotherapy and PRP, for years. We are excited about the recent article on the use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for treatment of UCL tears. Found in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, this article is the first published report on clinical outcomes for UCL injuries that were treated with PRP. (more…)

Platelet Rich Plasma Emerging as Effective Orthopedic Treatment

Effective Orthopedic Treatment

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an emerging biologic tool in orthopedic and regenerative medicine. The PRP is obtained by drawing out a patient’s blood and spinning it down in a centrifuge, which concentrates the platelets in the blood. The platelets can be concentrated up to 10X the baseline strength, and the plasma also contains cytokines, thrombin, and other growth factors that are indicated in wound healing (1). The PRP is then re-injected into the affected area by the physician according to the treatment plan and goals.

PRP can be used to treat tendons, ligaments, muscle tears, and joint pain (1). According to an article in the Journal of Arthroscopy, platelet-rich plasma may help speed recovery in sports medicine patients and enable them to return to their prior level of activity faster (1). It can take weeks for repair of tissue to occur, but proper nutrition and physical therapy can also aid in this process. (more…)