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 exploring current trends in orthobiologics research, PRP vs. steroids for muscle tears, PRP in wound healing and androgenic alopecia. Let's explore!
Current Trends in Orthobiologics: An 11-Year Review of the Orthopaedic Literature
The American Journal of Sports Medicine // Level of Evidence: IV
This is a great literature review that highlights just how far along research into orthobiologics has come in the past decade. In summary, a total of 474 articles (132 clinical, 271 nonclinical, 71 review) were included, consisting of 244 (51.5%) platelet-rich plasma, 146 (30.8%) bone marrow aspirate, 72 (15.2%) adipose-derived cells, and 12 (2.5%) amniotic cells.
Where is the best evidence? Platelet-rich plasma accounted for 91.5% of all level 1 clinical studies.
Comparison of a Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection and a Conventional Steroid Injection for Pain Relief and Functional Improvement of Partial Supraspinatus Tears
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine // Level of Evidence: I
Put another one in the PRP win column over corticosteroids for produces long-term pain relief in soft tissue injections. Authors of this study concluded that an injection using either a corticosteroid or LP-PRP resulted in a similar reduction in pain and improvement in function at 1 month in patients with a partial supraspinatus tear. However, PRP showed superior benefits over the corticosteroid at 6-month follow-up.
The wound healing effect of local leukocyte platelet-rich plasma after total hip arthroplasty: A randomized controlled trial
Wound Repair and Regeneration // Level of Evidence: ll
Rapid wound closure is important after arthroplasty procedures to prevent postoperative complications. In this randomized controlled trial, patients subjected to elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) were assigned by concealed allocation either L-PRP application onto the sutured fascia or no application (control) after the THA intervention.
Authors found that treatment with L-PRP accelerated wound healing by 1 week (from 4 to 3) compared to control.
Efficacy of platelet rich plasma for treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia patients: A Prospective Clinical Study
International Journal of Medical Science and Current Research (IJMSCR) // Level of Evidence: l
Evidence supporting the use of PRP for treating androgenic alopecia is continuing to grow. In this randomized, physician and evaluator blinded, prospective, interventional study, 100 male androgenetic alopecia patients aged between 20-50 years who showed Male Patterned Hair Loss (MPHL) from Stage II to IV were treated with PRP every 4 weeks for 3 total treatments. Patients were also given a topical application of Minoxidil and Nonminoxidil solutions.
Results revealed an improvement in the hair fall and hair pull test, hair density and volume in both the groups - control group received only topical minoxidil. There was high patient satisfaction in both the groups. However, the percentage of dissatisfied or unsure patients was greater in the control group.
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.