A new article was published proving efficacy of Autologous blood ( using the patient’s own blood) for treatment of TMJ at 1 year follow up. 80% of patients had significant improvements when treated with Autologous blood.
Ultimately we may find that Platelet Rich Plasma offers the most healing potential in TMJ dysfunction by delivering potent growth factors to accelerate healing.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Autologous Blood Treatment
New article on TMJ
NY Mets Reyes Receives Platelet Rich Plasma
According the the New York Post & ESPN news, NY mets baseball player Jose Reyes received a PRP injection to treat a hamstring tear.
“Reyes said he received a shot that has helped in the healing process. He also underwent platelet-rich plasma therapy, which entails removing blood from the affected area and injecting it back into the patient after “bad” components have been removed.
“It’s helping me out a lot — I feel better,” Reyes said.”
PRP may help cut rehabilitation time in half, thus accelerating return to play for high priced athletes. I have treated many professional athletes with similar hamstring tears & have found the injection to give these athletes a boost in the recovery process. Furthermore, PRP may potentially extend their athletic careers by treating the actual tear as opposed to masking it like cortisone does.
Many more professional athletes are receiving PRP treatment which is increasing awarenessto the public. Several studies are in the pipeline that will only continue to fuel demand from patients seeking natural based solutions to their injuries.
A study was done from Italy demonstrating clinical improvement in 16/20 male athletes who received a series of 3 prp injctions at 15 day intervals. They were followed up at 6 months. Interestingly 3 out of the 4 patients who failed to improve did not comply with the stretching & strengthening protocol following the injections.
Patellar tendinosis is a challenging condition because of poor blood supply, oxygen, & a lack of nutrition. Over half of athletes are forced to retire, & many continue to have pain after their retirement.
This speaks to the importance of post injection rehabilitation. I learned this firsthand after I tore my own Medial collateral Ligament in my knee after a surfing lesson.
I received a PRP injection and the rehab clearly accelerated the recovery process.
http://www.orthohealing.com/blog/2007/10/11/prp-knee-injection-8-wks-post-injection-update/
A PRP article was recently published from Spain reviewing current applications of PRP in orthopaedics. Most interestingly was the discussion surrounding use in professional sports. There is generalized confusion requiring rigorous definition associated with well characterized products and procedures. Currently US olympic athletes are able to receive the treatment under the WADA worl anti-doping agency; however must first apply for approval. There are no specific guidlines in other US professional sports organizations. PRP does not enhance performance & only treats a local injury & therefore should not be considered prohibited.
I expect more & more professional athletes to receive not only PRP but stem cell based therapies to accelerate recovery, both as injections & while undergoing surgery.
Data was released from Krakow Poland at the International Meeting on the use of Autologous Growth Factors in Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine: “State of the Art” – Krakow, Poland – 24 April 2009. The study found that patients receiving cortisone showed a 40% improvement compared to PRP 75% at 12 months. This is the first head to head study. Cortisone is well known to carry a risk of weakening & rupturing a tendon & is often discouraged.
http://www.shoulderdoc.co.uk/article.asp?article=1323
We are conducting a multicenter FDA approved trial on tennis elbow beginning Mid June 2009.
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