Bilateral TFCC Tears: Same Day Treatment With PRP in a Collegiate Diver
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has been used for a variety of musculoskeletal ailments. In the wrist a particularly difficult condition is Disruption of the triangulo-fibrocartilagineous-complex. Known as a TFCC tear, it is a plague to a wrist. It is painful, disrupts daily activities, and hampers sports performance. In a competitive diver, it may be the repetitive motion of entering the water from the high board with outstretched hands stretching towards entry. Irregardless, this diver had chronic wrist pain that was confirmed on MRI to be bilateral TFCC tears.
After consultation with Dennis M. Lox, MD,, an expert in Sports and Regenerative Medicine, the collegiate diver chose to proceed with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. The growth factors in PRP are felt to provide a stimulus for tissue repair and diminish the inflammatory response in some circumstances. It was discussed at great length with the diver that though improvement may be noted with the PRP, without the aid of additional stem cells the TFCC tear may remain. The diver did well and time will tell when competition resumes.