A new article on PRP was published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine from the Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. The piece discusses Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and stem cells for management of osteoarthritis. The authors describe a synergistic phenomenon when combining the stem cells with PRP. The platelets help direct the stem cells to proliferate and coordinate repair of damaged cells. I expect more & more literature to emerge on the use of PRP & stem cells to address common orthopaedic injuries.
http://jmm.consultantlive.com/display/article/1145622/1427681
At The Orthohealing Center we will be publishing our data on Knee Osteoarthritis treated with PRP very soon, stay tuned.
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.
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.
Studies are underway measuring the clinical benefits on tendon, ligament & cartilage (arthritis) for both elite & recreational athlete. This is a great example of international collaboration!
Along with Orthopaedist Ben DuBois MD, Dr Steven Sampson will be hosting a training seminar “Introduction to Shoulder Ultrasound.” The course will be in Seattle WA on June 27, 2009 from 8:30am-5:30pm. Dr Sampson also will be acting as a Preceptor to train physicians who are beginning their ultrasound training.
Reportedly, Xavier Nady is progressing following PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy) for his torn Ulnar collateral ligament. He is trying to avoid season ending Tommmy John surgery.
