Use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), along with ultrasound-guided needle tenotomy, was shown in a study to be an effective treatment for chronic, recalcitrant tendinopathy.  The study was conducted by the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN.  Study results were published in the October 2011 journal of PM&R (www.pmrjournal.org)

Tendinopathy is a broad term for a common, painful problem occurring in and around tendons, in response to overuse.  Recent basic science research suggests little or no inflammation is present in these conditions, although many treatment options are aimed at reducing inflammation.  Today, tendinopathy is thought to be a degenerative process.

In the Mayo Clinic study, 51 patients with chronic, recalcitrant tendinopathy received ultrasound-guided needle tenotomy and an injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma.  The mean follow up visit was 14 months postprocedure, and maximum benefits occurred four months postprocedure.

Although no tendons demonstrated a normal sonographic appearance, 83 percent of the subjects were satisfied with the outcome and would recommend the procedure to a friend.

These study results are consistent with what our patients with similar conditions have experienced.  This study adds support to the growing body of evidence that indicates that platelet-rich plasma is effective in treating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. 

Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only and not for medical diagnosis or treatment.  If you have a medical concern or issue, please consult with your physician.

The number of surgeries to treat chronic low back pain (CLBP) continues to increase, while positive patient outcomes do not correspond.  An interesting article published in January 2011 issue of Practical Pain Management by lead author, Robert Gatchel, Ph.D., et al, reviewed cases of failed back surgery and updated a 2004 study they performed.  Click here to read the 2011 article.

Low back pain is a significant source of morbidity in the United States and 85 percent of people will experience an episode of low back pain at some point in their lives.  When both the medical cost and loss of productivity are factored in, back and neck pains have the highest cost to employers than any other medical condition.

Most patients with low back pain recover quickly, where 35 percent can be expected to recover within a month, 85 percent within three months, and 95 percent within six months.  The remaining five percent have persistent pain that is beyond the normal time frame in which one would expect improvement. 

There may be disabling psychological and physical symptoms that accompany this chronic cycle of pain.  In 2007, there were more than 350,000 spinal fusion surgeries conducted in the United States.  This has drawn scrutiny due to adverse outcomes and the overall efficacy of spinal fusions, especially in a worker’s compensation setting where there is a lack of clear surgical indications that have been evaluated.  Additionally, surgical success with multiple procedures is also found to be statistically not extremely effective, where only 30 percent of second spine surgeries are successful, third spinal surgeries are even less effective at 15 percent success, and fourth surgeries are only five percent successful.

A final comment by Gatchel, Ph.D., et al is very telling:  While surgery is an important option for managing CLBP, it should be viewed as a “last resort” option.

Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only and not for medical diagnosis or treatment.  If you have a medical concern or issue, please consult with your physician.

“You are what you eat” is a well-known and often true phrase.  Many disease states, such as diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol, have a recommended diet plan.  Many patients in this office are treated for chronic pain conditions, but there is no official diet for chronic pain.

An interesting article in Practical Pain Management provides some food for thought regarding diet, nutrition and supplementation for the patient suffering with chronic pain.   Read here.

An AARP magazine article also highlights seven foods that ease pain.  Read here.

Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only and not for medical diagnosis or treatment.  If you have a medical concern or issue, please consult with your physician.