Ultrasound-guided Platelet-rich Plasma Injection Research Articles

Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection and multimodality ultrasound examination of peripheral nerve crush injury

Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is able to make up for the limitations of applying a single growth factor. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of serial ultrasound-guided PRP injections of the appropriate concentration on the treatment of sciatic nerve crush injury, and explore the value of multimodality ultrasound techniques in evaluating the prognosis of crushed peripheral nerve. In vitro, optimal concentration of PRP (from 150%, 250%, 450%, and 650%) was screened due for its maximal effect on proliferation and neurotrophic function of Schwann cells (SCs). In vivo, ninety rabbits were equally and randomly divided into normal control, model, PRP-2.5×, PRP-4.5×, and PRP-6.5× groups. The neurological function and electrophysiological recovery evaluation, and the comparison of the multimodality ultrasound evaluation with the histological results of sciatic nerve crush injury were performed to investigate the regenerative effects of PRP at different concentrations on the sciatic nerve crush injury. Our results showed that the PRP with a 4.5-fold concentration of whole blood platelets could significantly stimulate the proliferation and secretion of SCs and nerve repair. The changes in stiffness and blood perfusion were positively correlated with the collagen area percentage and VEGF expression in the injured nerve, respectively. Thus, serial ultrasound-guided PRP injections at an appropriate concentration accelerates the recovery of axonal function. Multimodality ultrasound techniques provide a clinical reference for prognosis by allowing the stiffness and microcirculation perfusion of crush-injured peripheral nerves to be quantitatively evaluated.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Patients With Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears or Tendinopathy Leads to Significantly Improved Short-Term Pain Relief and Function Compared With Corticosteroid Injection: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

To perform a randomized controlled trial comparing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with standard corticosteroid (CS) injection in providing pain relief and improved function in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy and partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs). This double-blind randomized controlled trial enrolled patients with ultrasound-proven or magnetic resonance imaging-proven PTRCTs who received either an ultrasound-guided PRP or CS injection. Patients completed patient-reported outcome assessments at baseline and at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months after injection. The primary outcome was improvement in the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain. Secondary outcomes included changes in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) scores. Treatment failure was defined as subsequent injection, consent to undergo surgery, or operative intervention. We followed up 99 patients (47 in the PRP group and 52 in the CS group) until 12 months after injection. There were no differences in baseline patient demographic characteristics including age, sex, or duration of symptoms. Despite randomization, patients in the PRP group had worse baseline VAS (46.0 vs 34.7, P= .01), ASES (53.9 vs 61.8, P= .02), and WORC (42.2 vs 49.5, P= .03) scores. At 3 months after injection, the PRP group had superior improvement in VAS (-13.6 vs 0.4, P= .03), ASES (13.0 vs 2.9, P= .02), and WORC (16.8 vs 5.8, P= .03) scores. There were no differences in patient-reported outcomes at 6 weeks or 12 months. There was no difference in the rate of failure (P= .31) or conversion to surgery (P= .83) between groups. Patients with PTRCTs or tendinopathy experienced clinical improvement in pain and patient-reported outcome scores after both ultrasound-guided CS and PRPinjections. Patients who received PRP obtained superior improvement in pain and function at short-term follow-up (3months). There was no sustained benefit of PRP over CS at longer-term follow-up (12 months). Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Platelet-rich plasma injection versus surgical and medical treatment of mild-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) accounts for approximately 90% of peripheral entrapment neuropathy cases. Treatments of CTS as splinting, corticosteroid injection, and surgery are not 100% effective, and alternative treatments are worth exploring. Surgery indicated in patients with persistent numbness, pain, and motor dysfunction. Empirical evidence indicates that many patients with CTS respond to anti-inflammatory medications. Recently, major attention has been drawn to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for its possible effects on axon regeneration and neurological recovery.ObjectivesTo evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of single ultrasound guided PRP injection of CTS versus surgical procedures and medical treatment in patients with mild-moderate CTS regarding pain relief and function improvement.MethodsThirty patients were injected in the carpal tunnel with single ultrasound-guided PRP (1–2 ml) injections; 30 patients went to surgical procedure, and 30 patients received conventional medical treatment and hand support. They were followed by using VAS (visual analogue scale), Boston questionnaire for CTS, and nerve conduction study for clinical improvement.ResultsBoth groups of patients who had received PRP injection and who underwent to surgery showed improvements in their scores of evaluation parameters at 6 months post intervention, while the third group that received medical treatment shows insignificant improvement at 6 months post treatment.ConclusionPRP can be considered as a safe, less invasive, and long-lasting alternative to surgery and effective with one shot session compared to medical treatment in management of mild-moderate CTS.Trial registrationClinical trial.govID: NCT04235426.Unique protocol ID:1472.Verification date: January 2020.

Ultrasound-guided injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in rotator cuff tendinopathy: effect on patients\u2019 symptoms and supraspinatus tendon thickness

BackgroundRotator cuff tendinopathy is considered a major cause of shoulder pain and disability that is increasing substantially with age affecting more than half of the general population by the age of 60 years. This study aims to assess the effect of ultrasound-guided injection of platelet-rich plasma on patient symptoms and supraspinatus tendon thickness in cases of rotator cuff tendinopathy.ResultsThis was a single-arm interventional study conducted on 30 patients with age ranging between 27 and 54 years old. Following US-guided injection of PRP, patients were evaluated clinically using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scoring system and radiologically using ultrasonographic supraspinatus tendon thickness measurements at 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. Our study showed remarkably noticeable changes when comparing the pre-injection and post-injection SPADI scoring system. There is highly statistically significant pain and disability score and percentage improvement, yet on the other hand, the radiological improvement shows no statistically significant difference found between baseline tendon thickness and its follow-up at 4, 8, and 12 weeks while only there was a statistically significant decrease in tendon thickness found at 24 weeks with P value = 0.043.ConclusionsThe ultrasound-guided PRP injection for supraspinatus tendinopathy cases is a safe, cheap, and easily prepared outpatient procedure which showed competitive, promising, and well-proved results when compared to other modality outcomes such as conventional surgeries, arthroscopic procedures, and physiotherapy.

CORR Synthesis: What Is the Role of Platelet-rich Plasma Injection in the Treatment of Tendon Disorders?

CORR Synthesis: What Is the Role of Platelet-rich Plasma Injection in the Treatment of Tendon Disorders?

Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection for the treatment of recalcitrant rotator cuff disease in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury: A pilot study

Context/Objective: Wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI) have a high risk of developing shoulder pain, caused by rotator cuff disease. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a potential treatment after conservative treatments fail and prior to surgical intervention; however, it has not been tested in wheelchair users who have recalcitrant shoulder pain associated with rotator cuff disease. The objective of this pilot project was to test the safety and potential treatment effect of an ultrasound-guided PRP injection for shoulder pain in the aforementioned population. Design: Prospective, quasi-experimental. Setting: Clinical research center. Participants: Six wheelchair users with SCI (3 paraplegia, 3 tetraplegia) who had chronic shoulder pain due to rotator cuff disease (presence of anterior shoulder pain, positive physical examination tests for rotator cuff disease, and tendinopathy demonstrated by ultrasound) and failed at least six months of conservative treatment. Interventions: Ultrasound-guided PRP injection into pathological shoulder tendons, targeting the supraspinatus. Subjects were provided a standardized stretching and strengthening program and were followed for 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-intervention with outcomes collected at each time-point. Outcome Measures: Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI); pain Numerical Rating Scale (NRS); physical and ultrasound examinations for supraspinatus tendinopathy; 5-point patient global impression of change (PGIC). Results: WUSPI (69.9%, P < 0.001), NRS (49.6%, P < 0.01), and physical exam scores (35.7%, P < 0.01) decreased 24 weeks after treatment. Participants reported overall improvement in their status as a result of the treatment. No adverse events were noted, and no changes in ultrasound markers for tendinopathy were observed. Conclusion: A single, ultrasound-guided PRP injection into the supraspinatus tendon, followed by a stretching and strengthening exercise program, was safe and provided improvements in shoulder pain outcome measures in this sample for 24 weeks. Lack of blinding, short-term follow-up, and a suitable control group warrant a larger randomized controlled trial. Trial Registration: NCT01355549

Platelet-rich plasma for treatment of chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy.

Aim: To determine whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can successfully treat symptoms associated with proximal hamstring tendinopathy. Materials & methods: Charts were retrospectively reviewed of patients with a diagnosis of chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy who underwent an ultrasound-guided leukocyte-rich PRP injection to assess reported outcomes at baseline and final follow-up post-intervention. Results: In 22 patients with a mean age of 48.7years and mean symptom duration of 26.5months, mean Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment Scale for Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy subscores demonstrated statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) at a mean of 7.91months follow-up. Sixty-eight percent of patients demonstrated ≥50% reduction of pain. Conclusion: Pain and functional outcomes improved following injection of PRP.

Role of Ultrasound-Guided Platelet Rich Plasma Injection in Treatment of Chronic Rotator Cuff Muscles Tendinopathy

Abstract Background shoulder pain is the third most common musculoskeletal complaint. And rotator cuff muscles tendinopathy is one of the most common causes for shoulder pain. Aim of the Work to evaluate the effectiveness of the percutaneous ultrasound guided PRP injection in improving or treating chronic Rotator Cuff muscles tendinopathy. Patients and Methods this study was conducted on 33 patients presented to Police Hospital Nasr City and diagnosed as cases of rotator cuff tendinopathy for more than 6 months and not responding to NSAIDs. Results there is high significant improvement of the ultrasound findings and clinical manifestations of patients as regard pain, range of motion and power comparing to the base line start. According to this study, PRP was found to be more effective on the long term then short term “comparing results after one and five month”. Conclusion ultrasound guided PRP injection is a safe and an effective treatment modality for rotator cuff tendinopathy as evidenced by decreased pain and improved range of motion across the shoulder joint after the application and follow up of the PRP.

Role of Ultrasound Guided Injection of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) in Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Abstract Background Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a leading cause of shoulder pain and a significant source of disability. It is a common disorder, with its prevalence increasing substantially with age and affecting more than 50% of the general population by the age of 60 years Objectives Based on these facts, our study efforts seeked assessment of the role of ultrasound guided platelet rich plasma injection (PRP) in cases of rotator cuff tendinopathy. Patients and Methods Type of Study is single arm interventional study was conducted in Ain shams university hospitals in the period between October 2018 and March 2019, 15 patients were included in the study ranging from 25 to 60 years old, were referred to the Radiology department at Ain Shams University Hospitals. Study Setting: all US examinations were performed by the same senior musculoskeletal radiologist with a large experience in the musculoskeletal US at the radiology department of Ain Shams University hospitals. Study Period: 6 months for data collection. Results Our study showed remarkably noticeable change on comparing the pre-injection and post-injection SPADI Scoring system at 4,8,12 and 24 weeks. There is highly statistically significant pain and disability score and percentage improvement, yet on the other hand the radiological improvement shows no statistically significant difference found between baseline tendon thickness and its follow up at 4, 8 and 12 weeks while only there was statistically significant decrease in tendon thickness found at 24 weeks with p-value = 0.043. Conclusion The ultrasound-guided PRP injection for supraspinatus tendinopathy cases is a safe, cheap, and easily prepared outpatient procedure which showed competitive, promising, and well-proved results when compared to other modalities outcomes such as conventional surgeries, arthroscopic procedures, and physiotherapy. It deserves our attention to its value and efficacy for the sake of the patient as a minimally invasive procedure providing better quality of life.

The Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Compared with Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

To evaluate the combination effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), compared with PRP alone. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. A single medical center in Taiwan. Patients diagnosed with moderate CTS. All subjects were administered one dose of ultrasound-guided PRP injection at baseline. After two weeks, one session of rESWT was completed in the intervention group, whereas the control group received one session of sham rESWT. Evaluations were performed at baseline and one, three, and six months post-PRP injection. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) was measured as the primary outcome. Electrophysiological study and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve were used as secondary outcomes. All 40 enrolled subjects (male/female: 4/36) completed the study, resulting in an analysis of 32 wrists per group (total: N = 64 wrists). Compared with the control group, the intervention group did not show statistically significantly superior outcomes, except in BCTQs at one month (mean change ± SE = -11.47 ± 1.18 vs -7.06 ± 1.26, P = 0.013) and distal motor latency at three months (mean change ± SE = -0.59 ± 0.09 vs -0.30 ± 0.09, P = 0.031). Combined PRP and one-session rESWT was not superior to PRP alone in treating moderate CTS. Further studies with multiple sessions of ESWT and longer follow-up periods are needed to verify the clinical efficacy of ESWT.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Combined with Low-Dose Ultrashort Wave Therapy Accelerates Peripheral Nerve Regeneration.

Finding treatments that accelerate peripheral nerve regeneration, prolongation, and functional recovery remains a challenging task. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains numerous growth factors and active proteins, and low-dose ultrashort waves (USWs) stimulate the formation of nerve-nourishing vessels, which are powerful for nerve regeneration. The goal of this study was to evaluate the synergistic effects of serial ultrasound-guided PRP injections combined with low-dose USWs radiation on peripheral nerve regeneration in a crush injury model. Fifty rabbits were equally and randomly divided into normal control, model, USW, PRP, and PRP+USW groups. The neurological function, electrophysiological recovery, and histological and morphological evaluation of regenerated nerves, as well as a targeted muscle recovery assessment, were performed to investigate the regenerative effect of PRP combined with USW therapy. Our results showed that the PRP+USW group had the better early axonal regeneration and displayed the earliest positive compound muscle action potential among the treatment groups. At postintervention week 12, a histological evaluation showed similar expression of the S-100 protein in the PRP+USW and normal control groups. Moreover, the morphological assessment revealed a significant increase in the myelinated nerve fiber density and diameter and myelin sheath thickness compared with the USW and PRP groups. The morphometry of the target muscles indicated the lowest reduction in the percent volume in the PRP+USW group, and an ultrasound examination of the targeted muscle showed the best improvement in stiffness and perfusion parameters at 12 weeks after crush injury. Thus, serial ultrasound-guided PRP injections combined with low-dose USW radiation exert a synergistic effect on accelerating functional axon recovery and decreasing atrophy of the target muscles in a crush injury model. Impact Statement This research describes that the application of platelet-rich plasma combined with low-dose ultrashort waves treatment exert a synergistic effect on accelerating peripheral nerve regeneration. With the extensive use of platelet-rich plasma and physical factors in regenerative medicine or clinical rehabilitation medicine, our findings may help establish effective strategies for repairing peripheral nerve injury.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for patellar tendinopathy: a randomized controlled trial of leukocyte-rich PRP or leukocyte-poor PRP vs. saline

Background: A small number of randomized controlled trials have found ultrasound-guided injection of PRP to be no more effective than saline for several tendinopathies; limited information exists for patellar tendinopathy. The purpose of this study was to determine if a single ultrasound-guided PRP injection, either leukocyte-rich (LR–PRP) or leukocyte-poor (LP–PRP), was superior to saline injection, for the treatment of patellar tendinopathy. Our null hypothesis was that no treatment would be superior to another for the treatment of patellar tendinopathy.

Platelet-rich plasma in treatment of patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy in the upper extremity. Treatments for CTS alternate from conservative strategies to surgical decompression of median nerve. Few studies have applied platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for treating idiopathic CTS, with acceptable success rates. Further studies are needed to reach concrete conclusion. To study the effect of PRP injection in treatment of mild to moderate idiopathic CTS. This is a randomized controlled trial in a cohort of Egyptian patients suffered from mild to moderate CTS. They were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1: patients received ultrasound guided PRP injection and group 2 patients received ultrasound guided corticosteroid injection. The outcome measures were assessed via Visual Analog Scale, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire, electrophysiological findings in sensory and motor functions of median nerve and morphological changes of median nerve detected by ultrasound. This study included 150 patients suffered from mild to moderate idiopathic CTS 15 did not provide the written consent and 37 participants were excluded from the study based on the exclusion criteria leaving only 98 patients to participate in the study they were divided into two groups PRP Injection Group (PRP-inj-G) - this group included 49 patients (40 females and 9 males) steroid injection Group (St-inj-G) - included 49 patients (41 females and 8 males). At the beginning of study there was no significant difference between both groups in all parameters. (a) PRP injection had significantly improved the clinical manifestations, the electrodiagnostic examination (EDX) parameters of the median nerve (MN), and the median nerve cross sectional area (m-CSA) at 1month and 3months post-injection evaluation in comparison to baseline recordings; (b) local steroid injection had significantly improved the clinical manifestations, the EDX parameters of the MN, and the m-CSA at 1month and 3months post-injection evaluation in comparison to baseline recordings and (c) PRP injection was superior to the local steroid injection in the improvement of clinical manifestations as well as the MN motor conduction velocity along the wrist-elbow segment, the sensory latency (SL) and the MN sensory conduction, this superiority was observed in third month follow-up suggesting better outcomes in long-term follow-up. Platelet-rich plasma could be effective treatment of mild to moderate idiopathic CTS and superior to corticosteroid in improving pain, function, and distal sensory latency of median nerve. Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT03863873Key Points:• PRP is effective treatment of mild to moderate CTS.• PRP is superior to corticosteroids in improving pain and function in CTS.

Ultrasound-Guided platelet-Rich plasma (PRP) injection in partial-thickness rotator cuff tear

Introduction: The pain and discomfort associated with Rotator Cuff Tear (RCTs) and restriction of shoulder movements can significantly decrease the value of a patient’s lifestyle, hindering one from performing daily activities and accomplishing goals as adequately and frequently as one would like. The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical and ultrasonography changes in the morphology of rotator cuff tendons after ultrasound guided injection of platelet- rich plasma (PRP) for rotator cuff tears. Material and methods: This study is a prospective randomized controlled study which was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics. PRP injection was done using ultrasonography guide via anterior sub acromial approach. Demographic data were obtained in all patients before the study, and shoulder function was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Scale (DASH) score, Oxford shoulder score. Results: Total 87 cases of partial RCTs (diagnosed by USG and MRI) were enrolled in this study. Pre injection mean VAS score, DASH score, OSS score was 6.78, 53.97, 26.48 respectively and post injection at 6 month VAS score, DASH score, OSS score was 0.32,1.54, 46.8 respectively. Significant improvement was observed after injection. All cases were healed. None case had rehear. Discussion: Rotator cuff tears are a cause of significant shoulder disability. Surgical repair of rotator cuff tears is complicated by significant re-tear rates and recurrence of symptoms. The use of platelet rich plasma in partial rotator cuff tears may offer a nonsurgical treatment for patients who do not respond to conservative rehabilitation methods.Steroids are available therapeutic agents having short term symptomatic effects but have local and systemic side effects, are costlier compared to PRP and there is the ambiguity of their safety.The critical findings of present study will open up new avenues of research into a better understanding of the role of PRP in RCT. Conclusion: The use of PRP as a minimally invasive treatment option with the prospect of speedier recovery time and less morbidity post-treatment, as opposed to surgical interventions, is thus a highly attractive option and one that ought to be further investigated.

Radiological and functional outcomes of ultrasound-guided PRP injections in intrasubstance meniscal degenerations.

This retrospective study is aimed to analyze the effect of ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections on grade 2 intrasubstance meniscal degenerations (IMDs). Fifteen patients who underwent PRP injections for symptomatic grade 2 meniscal lesions were included in the study. All injections were performed with ultrasound in the degenerated menisci. Patients were evaluated with Lysholm score and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before the injection and after a mean of 32-month follow-up. T2-weighted MRI images were evaluated on sagittal by two authors as double-blind. Lysholm score was found to be statistically significantly increased, and in 67% of the patients, grade 2 degenerations were improved to grade 1. Intra-meniscal PRP injection under ultrasonography guidance provides good functional scores and radiological improvement in the patients with IMD.

Platelet-Rich Plasma for Patellar Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Leukocyte-Rich PRP or Leukocyte-Poor PRP Versus Saline

Background: A small number of randomized controlled trials have found ultrasound-guided injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to be no more effective than saline for several tendinopathies; limited information exists for patellar tendinopathy. In addition, different PRP formulations that produce varying concentrations of leukocytes have not been directly compared for patellar tendinopathy. Purpose/Hypothesis: To determine if a single ultrasound-guided PRP injection, either leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP) or leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP), was superior to saline injection for the treatment of patellar tendinopathy. The null hypothesis was that no treatment would be superior to another for the treatment of patellar tendinopathy. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Athletes with patellar tendinopathy for ≥6 months (Blazina stage IIIB) were assessed for eligibility in a multisite single-blind controlled trial. There were 3 injection arms: LR-PRP, LP-PRP, and saline. Patients received a single ultrasound-guided injection, followed by 6 weeks of supervised rehabilitation (heavy slow resistance training, concentric and eccentric, 3 times per week). Outcome measures—Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (patellar; VISA-P), pain during activity, and global rating of change—were assessed at 6 and 12 weeks and 6 and 12 months. VISA-P score at 12 weeks was the primary outcome. Fifty-seven patients (19 in each group) were included in an intention-to-treat analysis. Secondary outcome measures included pain during activity and patients’ global rating of change. Results: Study retention was 93% at 12 weeks and 79% after 1 year. There was no significant difference in mean change in VISA-P score, pain, or global rating of change among the 3 treatment groups at 12 weeks or any other time point. After 1 year, the mean (SD) outcomes for the LR-PRP, LP-PRP, and saline groups were as follows, respectively: VISA-P—58 (29), 71 (20), and 80 (18); pain—4.0 (2.4), 2.4 (2.3), and 2.0 (1.9); global rating of change—4.7 (1.6), 5.6 (1.0), and 5.7 (1.2) (P > .05 for all outcomes). Conclusion: Combined with an exercise-based rehabilitation program, a single injection of LR-PRP or LP-PRP was no more effective than saline for the improvement of patellar tendinopathy symptoms. Registration: NCT02116946 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection for a high-grade sternocleidomastoid tear in a professional football player

Cox, Benjamin A. DOa; Kindle, Brett J. MDa; Goyeneche, Nicholas MDb; Hackel, Joshua G. MDa; Andrews, James R. MDa; Saper, Michael G. DOc Author Information

The use of ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injections in the treatment of hip osteoarthritis: a systematic review of the literature.

Purpose: This review aims to determine whether ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection has any role in improving clinical outcomes in patients with hip osteoarthritis. Methods: A search of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence database using the Healthcare Databases Advanced Search tool was conducted. The PubMed database was also utilised to search the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica database, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health and Allied and Complimentary Medicine databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis methodology guidance was employed and a quality assessment was performed using the Jadad score. Results: Three randomised clinical trials met the inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. All three trials were of good quality based on the Jadad score. A total of 115 patients out of 254 received platelet-rich plasma injections under ultrasound guidance. The platelet-rich plasma recipient group included 61 males and 54 females with an age range from 53 to 71 years. Outcome scores show an improvement of symptoms and function maintained up to 12 months following platelet-rich plasma injection. Conclusions: Literature to date concludes that intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injections of the hip, performed under ultrasound guidance to treat hip osteoarthritis, are well tolerated and potentially efficacious in delivering long-term and clinically significant pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with hip osteoarthritis. Larger future trials including a placebo group are required to further evaluate these promising results. Level of evidence: Level I, a systematic review of level I studies.

Real-time sonoelastography evaluation of the Achilles tendon following ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection and eccentric exercise for the treatment of refractory Achilles tendinopathy.

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using sonoelastography to depict Achilles tendon stiffness after platelet-rich plasma injection and eccentric exercise for chronic Achilles tendinopathy, and to correlate sonoelastography findings with clinical outcome up to 12 months after treatment. Forty-five Achilles tendons from 45 patients (33 males, 12 females; mean age 51 years) were examined using sonoelastography and ultrasound at baseline, 4-6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months post-treatment. The strain ratio (between Achilles tendon and Kager's fat) during sonoelastography was obtained. The proportion of tendons with hypoechogenicity and neovascularity were documented. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire and correlated with sonographic findings. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles improved significantly from 38.4 (±14.1) at baseline, 77.2 (±12.5) at 6 months (p < 0.001) to 81.2 (±10.8) at 12 months (p < 0.001). The strain ratio values were 2.16 (±1.02) at baseline, 2.03 (±0.67) at 4-6 weeks, 1.81 (±0.62) at 6 months and 1.19 (±0.34) at 12 months with a significant reduction observed at 6 months (p = 0.006) and 12 months (p < 0.001). At 12-month evaluation, none of the tendons regained a normal echotexture. Strain ratio demonstrated a moderately good inverse correlation with Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (r = -0.610, p<0.001) while B-mode and Doppler ultrasound did not show a significant correlation (r = -0.041, p = 0.817, and r = -0.116, p = 0.514). Achilles tendon stiffness shows moderately good correlation with clinical symptom at 12-month post-treatment. Sonoelastography using strain ratio could be a promising ancillary tool for monitoring Achilles tendon healing after treatment.

Can Elite Dancers Return to Dance After Ultrasound-Guided Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections?

Dancers exert tremendous stresses on the lower extremities rendering them prone to injuries that can curtail training and performance. The goal of this study was to evaluate clinical improvement in a population of elite dancers following treatment with ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections of various lower extremity sites by assessing when they were able to return to dance. Nineteen dancers (13 female, 6 male; ages 15 to 42) were treated between 2009 and 2016 at sites that included: hamstring tendon (1), proximal iliotibial band (1), patellar tendon (3), posterior tibial tendon (5), peroneus brevis tendon (3), plantar fascia (3), and the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint capsule (3). Injections were performed by a single radiologist using the same PRP kit under ultrasound guidance. All patients adhered to standard post-care instructions, including non-weightbearing and avoidance of NSAIDs for at least 2 weeks post-injection. Clinical charts were reviewed for factors including: adherence to post-injection immobilization and physical therapy, physical exam assessments, and milestones in returning to dance. The time-point for returning to dance was defined by attendance of class or rehearsal without symptoms referring to the treated site. Eighteen subjects achieved return to dance, 13 in 6 months or less, and the majority (10) within 3 months of injection. Five subjects required more than 6 months recovery time. These cases all involved foot and ankle sites; of these, two subjects required repeat injections, and both returned to dance within 11 months of the second injection. In the single case where PRP treatment failed, the injury treated was severe plantar fasciopathy with a high-grade central cord tear. It is concluded that ultrasound-guided PRP injections may play a role in the treatment of various lower extremity injuries in elite dancers, with the majority of subjects in this series returning to dance within 6 months. Recovery time may vary depending on the site treated and severity of the presenting injury.