Platelet Rich Plasma Case Studies
Study 1: Achilles Tendon Tear
Study 2: Athlete with Knee and Shoulder Pain
Study 3: Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear
Study 4: Tennis Elbow
Study 5: Tennis Elbow
Study 1: Achilles Tendon Tear
The patient is a 71-year-old male physician who ruptured his Achilles tendon. While playing badminton, he heard a pop and shortly afterwards was evaluated by an orthopaedist and received x-rays and an MRI. The MRI demonstrated a severe right Achilles tendon rupture involving over 90% of the fibers (see image). The patient was casted in a boot which was not well tolerated. After looking into non-surgical options, the patient was evaluated by Dr Sampson.
A musculoskeletal ultrasound was performed identifying major tearing with a few posterior fibers intact of the Achilles tendon (see image).
After seeing Dr Sampson, the patient received a platelet rich plasma injection graft under ultrasound guidance approximately 5 weeks following his injury. The patient tolerated the procedure well without complication & began physical therapy shortly afterwards.
Initially he experienced some mild ankle swelling after activity, however 3.5 months after treatment he is 99% pain free with no limitations and is exercising without limitations.
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Achilles injection under ultrasound guidance. |
Patient testimony:
"PRP allowed me as a patient to have 'freedom'. I had ruptured my right Achilles tendon and was unable to drive my automobile. Because of PRP, I was able to speed up my recovery in physical therapy and had the 'freedom' to drive and NOT be a burden to family and friends. I am gratefully indebted to Steve Sampson, D.O."
Study 2: Athlete with Knee and Shoulder Pain
The patient is a male Senior Olympic (age 50 and older) pole vaulter who initially presented with complaints of knee pain from arthritis. He tried anti-inflammatories, received multiple synvisc and cortisone injections, and underwent arthroscopic surgery; however he continued to experience pain while jogging.
A musculoskeletal ultrasound was performed & identified multiple abnormalities of the knee which were contributing to his pain in addition to the arthritis.
After a series of 3 PRP injections to his pes anserine bursa, patellar tendon, medial meniscus and knee joint, he was pain free with no limitation.
Several months later he received PRP therapy for his rotator cuff tear with arthritis and is doing great.
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Patient testimony:
"As a national-class masters track and field athlete competing in the pole vault, sprints, and hurdles, decades of training and competition had worn down my joints to the point where running was painful and lifting my arm over my head was difficult. My orthopedist referred me to Dr. Sampson, whose assessment indicated that PRP for my problematic joints (knee, shoulder) might yield some benefits. Dr. Sampson gave me a series of PRP injections in the knee and the shoulder over an extended time. The improvement has been dramatic; I can run and pole vault without pain, train with intensity, and compete without worrying about joint limitations. PRP has returned my joint functionality to where it was 15 years ago; PRP is the proverbial fountain of youth."
Study 3: Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear
The patient is a 45-year-old male with complaints of right shoulder pain for three weeks after bench pressing and feeling a crunch. An MRI demonstrated a tear of the middle supraspinatus (rotator cuff) along with bursitis (fluid build up around the tendon). A musculoskeletal ultrasound confirmed the partial rotator cuff tear.
After seeing Dr Sampson, the patient received a platelet rich plasma injection graft under ultrasound guidance approximately 5 weeks following his injury.
Following a series of 4 PRP injections, the patient is able to work out pain free now and avoided surgical repair of his rotator cuff.
Patient testimony:
"PRP is an invaluable alternative to surgery. I had a torn rotator cuff and after 4 treatments I'm 100% healed."
Study 4: Tennis Elbow
The patient is a 56-year-old male who presented with complaints of right elbow pain for over two years. He has tried anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, bracing, acupuncture, chiropractics, and three cortisone injections with no long term relief. He has difficulty with daily activities including lifting objects and walking his dog.
An MRI demonstrated partial tearing of the common extensor tendon (tennis elbow/lateral epicondylitis). Also a nearby ligament was abnormal (the radial collateral ligament).
A musculoskeletal ultrasound was performed and showed a calcium deposit in the injured tendon as well as the changes seen on MRI.
The patient received 2 PRP injections approximately 3 months apart, and was 100% pain free without taking any medications. He is now working out with a trainer including push ups 4 weeks after his second injection.
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Patient testimony:
"After my PRP treatments in December of 2008, I have been working with a trainer twice a week and lifting a lot of weights. I'm about 98% healed."
Study 5: Tennis Elbow
The patient is a 41-year-old male illustrator who presented with complaints of intermittent right elbow pain for five years. He exhausted several treatments including homeopathic treatments,physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, acupuncture, massage, Prolotherapy, shockwave, and chiropractics without relief. He had a surgical evaluation, but was reluctant to have surgery.
A musculoskeletal ultrasound was performed and showed partial tearing of the right elbow common extensor tendon (a.k.a. tennis elbow/lateral epicondylitis).
He received 3 PRP injections under ultrasound guidance in September, November and January. By late Feburary the patient had no limitations & was working out pain free.
Patient testimony:
Quote pending