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 for carpal tunnel syndrome & assisted arthroscopic microfracture technique, as well as PRP vs. corticosteroids for rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Platelet-rich plasma in non-operative management of mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome – A systematic review & meta-analysis of short-term outcome
Journal of Orthopaedics // Level of Evidence: 2
Strong evidence supporting PRP for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is scarce, however, CTS is among the most prevalent distal limb pathologies with approximately 4 - 20% of the general population affected.
In this review of controlled trials, authors evaluated the use of PRP for mild-moderate CTS against patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), nerve conduction studies (NCS) result and cross sectional area (CSA). They concluded that PRP improved pain scores and functionality of the median nerve via CSA, however, PRP had limited affect on NCS improvement.
The therapeutic value of arthroscopic microfracture technique in combination with platelet-rich plasma injection for knee cartilage injury
American Journal of Translational Research // Level of Evidence: 1
Arthroscopic microfracture technique (AMT) is an effective short term solution for cartilage injuries. In this paper, authors investigated whether PRP injections post-AMT could improve and extend long-term efficacy.
Patients were randomized into two arms - control (n=39) receiving just AMT and observation (n=40) receiving AMT + PRP injections once per week for 6 weeks.
The authors found that the efficacy of AMT combined with PRP injection in the treatment of knee joint cartilage injury was significantly improved compared with that of microfracture technique alone.
Corticosteroids or platelet-rich plasma injections for rotator cuff tendinopathy: a randomized clinical trial study
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research // Level of Evidence: 1
Another win for orthobiologics vs. corticosteroid injections for tendinopathy!
In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, individuals diagnosed with rotator cuff tendinopathy were treated with either 6 cc of PRP (3cc at subacromial joint and 3cc at site of tendon tear) or 1cc of Depo-medrol 40mg and 1cc of lidocaine (2%) within the subacromial joint.
PRP delivered similar functional and structural results to corticosteroids, however, 3-month follow ups revealed better improvement in pain (VAS) scores in the PRP group. When compounded with the risk of tendon rupture associated with corticosteroid injections, authors recommend the use of PRP for patients with RC tendinopathy.
If you want to explore more about where the evidence stands on PRP vs. steroid injections, check out our recent blog post.
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.