Welcome to the Regenerative Research Roundup, where we look through recently published research and bring you the best of the best in a quick-to-read digest.
This month, we're highlighting new research regarding the use of PRP in lumbar disc herniation, androgenic alopecia, rotator cuff surgical repair, and in autologous fat grafting.
Ultrasound-Guided Transforaminal Injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma Compared with Steroid in Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study
Neural Plasticity // Level of Evidence: l
Steroid injections for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation is very common. However, as with all steroid injections they are associated with complications. To determine whether PRP can be a safer alternative, authors of this randomized clinical trial (LOE: 1) performed ultrasound-guided transforaminal injections of either PRP (n=61) or steroid (n=63) to a total of 124 patients who suffer from radicular pain due to lumbar disc herniation. The results showed similar outcome for both transforaminal injections using PRP and steroids, suggesting the possible application of PRP injection as a safer alternative.
ACCESS HERE: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/np/2021/5558138/
The Effects of Lower Versus Higher Cell Number of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Hair Density and Diameter in Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA): A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo, Paralleled Group Half-Scalp IRB Study
Aesthetic Surgery Journal // Level of Evidence: l
This month, we published an article on whether PRP can prevent or even reverse hair loss. After a review of the current evidence, it became apparent that like all applications of PRP, patient treatment success rate was correlated with the concentration of platelets in solution.
In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo, paralleled group, half-scalp IRB study among eight subjects suffering from androgenic alopecia, participants received intradermal PRP injections (baseline and month 3), according to two treatment protocols (high vs low platelet numbers). Authors found that the higher number of platelets had a greater effect than lower number of platelets in regard to hair densities, follicle diameters and terminal hair densities.
Efficacy of Intraoperative Platelet-Rich Plasma Augmentation and Postoperative Platelet-Rich Plasma Booster Injection for Rotator Cuff Healing
The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine // Level of Evidence: l
Intraoperative PRP is a powerful tool in supporting outcomes in orthopaedic surgery.
In this randomized controlled trial, authors evaluated the effect of intraoperative PRP on ARCS and whether a PRP booster shot 2 -weeks after would accelerate healing. They found that intraoperative PRP augmentation during ARCR demonstrated superior anatomic healing results in patients with rotator cuff tears >2 cm as well as reduced pain and increased subjective satisfaction. However, PRP booster injection provided no additional benefit to tendon integrity or functional recovery. This confirms the importance of PRP augmentation during surgery, rather than post-operative to optimize the regenerative effect.
Comparison of Conventional and Platelet-Rich Plasma-Assisted Fat Grafting: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery // Level of Evidence: ll
Autologous fat grafting has been growing in popularity for both office-based cosmetic procedures and in plastic surgery. The addition of PRP to your fat graft can help to increase graft retention, decrease morbidity, and accelerate recovery time.
In this review of current evidence, authors included 11 studies with 1125 patients in total. While patient satisfaction rate was not statistically difference, the objective measurements of success yielded favorable results for the PRP group. Survival rate was significantly higher and recovery time was significantly lower in the PRP + FG than FG alone group. We always recommend adding PRP to your fat grafts to overcome current challenges with graft retention in cosmetic & aesthetic medicine.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the above research, or are wondering how you can apply it to your regenerative practice, please leave a comment below or shoot me an email at cdowns@mdbiologix.com
Cheers!
Connor
This blog post provides general information to help the reader better understand regenerative medicine, musculoskeletal health, and any related subjects. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and may not reflect the views and opinions of MDBiologix. All content provided in this blog, website, or any linked materials, including text, graphics, images, patient profiles, outcomes, and information, are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please always consult with a professional and certified healthcare provider to discuss if any treatment is right for you.
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