Single injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of refractory distal biceps tendonitis: long-term results of a prospective multicenter cohort study

Nonoperative and Operative Soft-Tissue, Cartilage, and Bony Regeneration and Orthopaedic Biologics of the Elbow and Upper Extremity: An Orthoregeneration Network Foundation Review

Orthoregeneration is defined as a solution for orthopaedic conditions that harnesses the benefits of biology to improve healing, reduce pain, improve function, and, optimally, provide an environment for tissue regeneration. Options include drugs, surgical intervention, scaffolds, biologics as a product of cells, and physical and electromagnetic stimuli. The goal of regenerative medicine is to enhance the healing of tissue after musculoskeletal injuries as both isolated treatment and adjunct to surgical management, using novel therapies to improve recovery and outcomes. Various orthopaedic biologics (orthobiologics) have been investigated for the treatment of pathology involving the elbow and upper extremity, including the tendons (lateral epicondylitis, medial epicondylitis, biceps tendonitis, triceps tendonitis), articular cartilage (osteoarthritis, osteochondral lesions), and bone (fractures, nonunions, avascular necrosis, osteonecrosis). Promising and established treatment modalities include hyaluronic acid; botulinum toxin; corticosteroids; leukocyte-rich and leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma; autologous blood; bone marrow aspirate comprising mesenchymal stromal cells (alternatively termed medicinal signaling cells and frequently mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs]) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate; MSCs harvested from adipose and skin (dermis) sources; vascularized bone grafts; bone morphogenic protein scaffold made from osteoinductive and conductive β-tricalcium phosphate and poly-ε-caprolactone with hydrogels, human MSCs, and matrix metalloproteinases; and collagen sponge. Autologous blood preparations such as autologous blood injections and platelet-rich plasma show positive outcomes for nonresponsive tendinopathy. In addition, cellular therapies such as tissue-derived tenocyte-like cells and MSCs show a promising ability to regulate degenerative processes by modulating tissue response to inflammation and preventing continuous degradation and support tissue restoration.

Current Status and Advancements in Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a treatment modality has been around for the last four decades, but only truly gained popularity over the last 10 to 15 years in medicine, in a variety of fields ranging from regenerative medicine to infertility treatment. It has gained popularity, especially in treating musculoskeletal conditions where the bulk of research has been performed and published. There is level I evidence available supporting its efficacy in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), epicondylitis, bursitis, compressive neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, muscular injuries and osteochondral lesions. Most published research with regards to PRP has been focused on knee OA (limited research in shoulder, elbow, and foot and ankle OA), lateral epicondylitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, whereas spinal and hand conditions have limited research available. Tendinopathies and partial tendon tears have conflicting evidence available, with level I evidence supporting PRP's use in rotator cuff tendinopathies and tears, with contradictory level I evidence discouraging its use in patella and Achilles tendinopathies and tears. The available evidence regarding the use of PRP continues to produce conflicting results, but despite this, there is an ongoing increase in the popularity and use of PRP in patients with musculoskeletal conditions.

Management of Injuries in Agility Dogs

Agility is a physically demanding sport, and injuries are common. An understanding of the common clinical presentations, frequent injuries, and risk factors for injury is critical when seeing this population of patients in practice. Shoulder injuries and other soft tissue injuries including iliopsoas muscle strains are commonly seen. The Border Collie seems to be at higher risk of developing agility-related injuries. The key to rehabilitation of the agility dog is accurate and expedient diagnosis of the injury, which often involves advanced diagnostics such as musculoskeletal ultrasound, arthroscopy, and/or MRI.

Distale Bizepssehnenruptur

Die Ruptur der distalen Bizepssehne tritt am häufigsten bei Männern im mittleren Alter auf (30 bis 50 Jahre). Der typische Mechanismus ist die exzentrische Belastung in strecknaher Ellbogenstellung in Supination, wobei diese Verletzung mit Kraftsport und körperlich belastender Tätigkeit assoziiert ist. Epidemiologische Daten weisen auf eine Zunahme von distalen Bizepsrupturen in den letzten Jahrzehnten hin. Risikofaktoren wie die Verwendung anaboler Steroide, Kraftsport und Nikotinabusus zeigen einen Zusammenhang mit der Verletzung. Bei reduziertem Patientenanspruch oder relevanten Komorbiditäten ist auch unter einer konservativen Behandlung ein gutes funktionelles Ergebnis mit subjektiv guter Patientenzufriedenheit zu erreichen, allerdings unter zu erwartender relevanter Kraftminderung in Flexion (20 %) und Supination (40 %). Durch eine operative Refixation lässt sich das beste funktionelle Resultat erzielen, allerdings einhergehend mit einem nicht unerheblichen Komplikationsrisiko.

Cell-based therapy of the elbow: evidence for lateral tendinopathy-a review on current treatments

PURPOSE

Cell-based therapies are on the rise in treating intra and extraarticular pathologies, trying to avoid surgical intervention and support local repair processes. Therefore, the aim was to summarize current evidence-based treatment options for a cell-based therapy around the elbow.

METHODS

Through a literature review up-to date treatment algorithms and therapies have been identified and have been rated according to their evidence level for clinical recommendation.

RESULTS

Regarding the four extraarticular anatomical regions of the elbow (anterior, medial, posterior and lateral) and the joint itself, the lateral elbow and its´ tendinopathies as well as the use of cell-based treatment options have been extensively studied and, therefore, allow for clear and evidence-based recommendations. The remaining three regions as wells as the intraarticular application do not show enough evidence for a clinical recommendation.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion the cell-based approach for treating elbow pathologies can only be recommended for the lateral elbow, as there has been shown sufficient evidence for the extraarticular application. It has to be mentioned, that the results from the lateral elbow maybe transferred to other extra-articular tendinopathies, as the lack of evidence may be due to the rare appearance of posterior, medial and anterior tendon affection. No recommendation can be given for intra-articular use.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Distal biceps tendon injection

Background

Injection therapy around the distal biceps tendon insertion is challenging. This therapy may be indicated in patients with a partial distal biceps tendon tear, bicipitoradial bursitis and tendinopathy. The primary goal of this study was to determine the accuracy of manually performed injections without ultrasound guidance around the biceps tendon.

Methods

Seven upper limb specialists, two general orthopedic specialists, and three orthopedic surgical residents manually injected a cadaver elbow with acrylic dye using an anterior and a lateral infiltration approach. After infiltration the cadaveric elbows were dissected to determine the location of the acrylic dye.

Results

In total, 79% of the injections were localized near the biceps tendon. Of these injections, 20% were localized on the radius near the bicipitoradial bursa. In total, 53% of the performed infiltrations were injected by anterior and 47% by lateral approaches. Of the injections near the distal biceps (79%), 47% were injected by an anterior and 53% by a lateral approach. Of the injections on the radius (20%), 33% were injected by anterior and 67% by lateral approach. Of the inaccurate injections (21%), 75% were injected anterior and 25% lateral.

Conclusions

Manual infiltration without ultrasound guidance for distal biceps pathology lacks accuracy. We therefore recommend ultrasound guidance for more accurate infiltration.

Ultrasound of the distal biceps brachii tendon using four approaches: reproducibility and reader preference

OBJECTIVES

To determine which sonographic appearance of the distal biceps brachii tendon (DBBT) is preferred by readers, and if images obtained by two different operators are reproducible.

METHODS

We performed an IRB-approved prospective sonographic evaluation of the DBBT in 50 healthy elbows using four different approaches (anterior, lateral, medial, posterior) performed by two operators. Five musculoskeletal radiologists independently reviewed the images, and ranked the four approaches based on overall appearance of echogenicity of the tendon, visualized length, and visualization of the insertion.

RESULTS

The medial approach was preferred in 79.6% of elbows, anterior in 17.6%, lateral in 2.8%, and the posterior approach was never preferred. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Kappa values for the five readers were 0.61 to 0.8 for choosing the images produced by the medial approach.

CONCLUSION

The appearance of the DBBT using the medial approach is preferred by readers and is reproducible between different operators.

Biologics in shoulder and elbow pathology

In recent years, orthobiologics have been of increasing clinical interest in the treatment of shoulder and elbow pathology. In some conditions, such as rotator cuff injury and lateral epicondylitis, there have been high-quality trials that support the use of platelet-rich plasma in reducing pain, restoring functionality, and improving clinical outcomes. However, as the numbers of both cellular-based biologics and the conditions being augmented by biologics continue to expand, there is a substantial need for high-quality investigations to support their routine use in most shoulder and elbow conditions. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence of orthobiologics in the management of shoulder and elbow injury, as nonoperative treatment and as augments to operative treatment.

Post-Procedure Protocols Following Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been increasingly studied as a treatment for tendinopathy. Many factors may influence outcomes after PRP, including different protocols following administration. It was hypothesized that there would be heterogeneity in post-PRP protocols.

LITERATURE SURVEY

A systematized review of the literature on post-PRP protocols for tendinopathy was conducted using an electronic search of MEDLINE and Embase databases through September 2018.

METHODOLOGY

After duplicates were removed, English language articles involving adult patients who received PRP for tendinopathy were reviewed. Exclusion criteria included studies with fewer than 10 patients, PRP used to treat pathology other than tendinopathy, multiple protocols in one study, and surgical settings. Protocol specifics were extracted including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) restrictions before and after injection, postinjection restrictions on movement and weight bearing, use of orthoses, activity modifications, and postinjection rehabilitation protocols. Given limitations in the data, a meta-analysis was not performed.

SYNTHESIS

Eighty-four studies met inclusion criteria. Following PRP injection, weight-bearing restrictions were mentioned rarely (12% of protocols). Orthosis use was uncommon overall (18%) but more common in Achilles tendinopathy protocols (53%). The majority of protocols instituted a period of stretching (51%) and strengthening (54%). Stretching programs generally began 2-7 days following injection, and strengthening programs began within 2-3 weeks. Preinjection NSAID restriction was reported rarely (20%), whereas postinjection NSAID restriction was more common (56%), with a typical restriction of greater than 2 weeks (38%). Return to play or full activity was reported in 42% of protocols, most commonly at 4-6 weeks following injection.

CONCLUSION

Although the clinical effectiveness of PRP remains controversial, even less is known about the effect of post-PRP protocols, which may affect the outcomes attributed to PRP itself. No studies directly compare post-PRP protocols, and the protocols studied demonstrate substantial heterogeneity. Some consensus regarding post-PRP protocols exists, although the rationale for these recommendations is limited.

Clinical indications for image-guided interventional procedures in the musculoskeletal system: a Delphi-based consensus paper from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR)-Part II, elbow and wrist

BACKGROUND

Although image-guided interventional procedures of the elbow and wrist are routinely performed, there is poor evidence in the literature concerning such treatments. Our aim was to perform a Delphi-based consensus on published evidence on image-guided interventional procedures around the elbow and wrist and provide clinical indications on this topic.

METHODS

A board of 45 experts in image-guided interventional musculoskeletal procedures from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology were involved in this Delphi-based consensus study. All panelists reviewed and scored published papers on image-guided interventional procedures around the elbow and wrist updated to September 2018 according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine levels of evidence. Consensus on statements drafted by the panelists about clinical indications was considered as "strong" when more than 95% of panelists agreed and as "broad" if more than 80% agreed.

RESULTS

Eighteen statements were drafted, 12 about tendon procedures and 6 about intra-articular procedures. Only statement #15 reached the highest level of evidence (ultrasound-guided steroid wrist injections result in greater pain reduction and greater likelihood of attaining clinically important improvement). Seventeen statements received strong consensus (94%), while one received broad consensus (6%).

CONCLUSIONS

There is still poor evidence in published papers on image-guided interventional procedures around the elbow and wrist. A strong consensus has been achieved in 17/18 (94%) statements provided by the panel on clinical indications. Large prospective randomized trials are needed to better define the role of these procedures in clinical practice.

KEY POINTS

• The panel provided 18 evidence-based statements on clinical indications of image-guided interventional procedures around the elbow and wrist. • Only statement #15 reached the highest level of evidence: ultrasound-guided steroid wrist injections result in greater pain reduction and greater likelihood of attaining clinically important improvement. • Seventeen statements received strong consensus (94%), while broad consensus was obtained by 1 statement (6%).

The use of biologics for the elbow: a critical analysis review

There is significant interest in biologic treatment options to improve the healing environment and more rapidly decrease symptoms in many conditions around the elbow. Despite fairly widespread use of biologic agents such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the elbow, there is a lack of clear evidence in the literature to support its use. The potential impact of these biologic agents must be evaluated with evidence from high-quality studies, particularly considering the high financial burden these treatments often impose on patients. The aim of this review is to provide an evidence-based summary of the biologic augmentation options available for use by the physician treating painful conditions of the elbow and to identify areas where further research is warranted.

Synergistic activity of platelet rich plasma and high volume image guided injection for patellar tendinopathy

PURPOSE

Platelet rich plasma and high volume image guided injections of saline have been used in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy with positive results. As the different mechanisms of action do not interfere each other, it can be hypothesized that they can be used in combination. Aim of this study was twofold: first, to evaluate the efficacy of these two treatments in the management of patellar tendinopathy; second, to verify whether the combination of these therapies could provide further advantages.

METHODS

Fifty-four patients suffering from patellar tendinopathy were enrolled. After clinical (VAS and VISA-P) and sonographic evaluation, two ultrasound guided injections (2 weeks apart) of platelet rich plasma, high-volume image-guided injections of saline, or both in association were performed. The VAS and VISA-P scores obtained from the three treatments groups (18 patients in each group) were compared across the different follow-up times (3 and 6 months).

RESULTS

In the short term both treatments showed comparable efficacy, whereas in the medium term the positive effects of high-volume image-guided injections gradually diminished and platelet rich plasma showed greater efficacy. Better results (reduced pain, improved function and increased number of subjects who exhibited optimal recovery [> 20 points in VISA-P score]) were observed when both procedures were associated.

CONCLUSIONS

The contemporaneous administration of platelet rich plasma and high volume image guided injections of saline treatments, which influence tendon repair by means of different mechanisms, grants a greater improvement for patellar tendinopathy. This finding has clinical relevance, given that this condition has a substantial impact on sports and work performance.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Platelet-Rich Plasma for Elbow Pathologies: a Descriptive Review of Current Literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Platelet-rich plasma is used in many orthopedic pathologies such as tendinopathies and ligament injuries. The clinical results reported in the scientific literature are, however, confusing. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a narrative literature review regarding the role of PRP in the most common elbow soft tissue pathologies.

RECENT FINDINGS

The response to PRP seems to be favorable when compared to steroid injection for pain management and for patient-reported outcomes in lateral epicondylitis. PRP injection does not seem to have the potential complications associated with a steroid injection such as skin atrophy, discoloration, and secondary tendon tears. Only a few manuscripts comparing the results of PRP treatment with either extracorporeal shockwave (ESW), dry needling, or even surgical treatments in lateral epicondylitis exist. The use of PRP in other elbow pathologies such as golfer's elbow, ulnar collateral ligament injury, and distal biceps and triceps pathology is examined in few studies, with unclear recommendations. Regarding elbow pathologies, PRP injections in tennis elbow seems to be the best-studied intervention. A major limitation in these studies is the significant heterogeneity in the methods used for preparing PRP, for example employing leukocyte-rich, leukocyte-poor preparations, PRP with or without activation, which makes the results of the studies difficult to compare. Results of this review show that more studies on larger cohorts, with comparable formulations, and with longer follow-up are required to give optimal suggestions concerning the use of PRP in elbow pathologies.

Treatment of Type Two Slap Lesion With Anatomic Suture Anchor Repair Without Biceps Tenotomy Or Tenodesis

Background:

Poor results after repair of type 2 SLAP tears are relatively common and some have reported better results after biceps tenodesis or tenotomy than repair. In addition, some believe that the long head of the biceps is expendable. Therefore, many now favor biceps tenotomy or tenodesis over biceps anchor repair either in all patients or in older patients, reserving SLAP lesion repair only for young athletes.

Hypothesis:

We hypothesized that repair of the biceps anchor of the labrum would be effective in all patients regardless of age provided that care was taken not to overtighten the labrum and that rotator cuff pain as the primary pain generator had been ruled out.

Methods:

All patients with type 2 SLAP lesion repair by the senior author since he began repairing them with suture anchors were prospectively evaluated. Patients with more than one other concomitant procedure, simultaneous rotator cuff repair or worker’s compensation status were excluded.

Results:

77% of patients were available for minimum two year followup. No patient had subsequent surgery or manipulation under anesthesis as a result of their SLAP repair. Standardized shoulder test score increased by 4 points. Mean SANE score decreased from 53 pre-op to 14 post-op. Results were the same in those over versus under 40 years of age.

Conclusion:

Anatomic repair of Type 2 SLAP lesions at the biceps anchor without biceps tenodesis or tenotomy can produce good results in patients of all ages.

Intratendinous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) injection provides a safe, efficacious treatment for Achilles tendinopathy: results of a randomized controlled clinical trial at a 6-month follow-up

PURPOSE

Although platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection has shown controversial results for the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy, it remains the most used biological treatment. Recent findings seem to demonstrate that the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) within adipose tissue may counteract the impaired tendon homeostasis. The aim of this study was to prospectively compare the efficacy of PRP and SVF injection for the treatment of non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

METHODS

Fourty-four patients were recruited in the study; 23 of them were assigned to the PRP group whereas 21 to the SVF group, treated unilaterally or bilaterally for a total of 28 tendons per group. All patients (age 18-55 years) were clinically assessed pre-operatively and at 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 days from treatment, using the VAS pain scale, the VISA-A, the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Score and the SF-36 form. The patients were also evaluated by ultrasound and magnetic resonance before treatment and after 4 (US only) and 6 months.

RESULTS

Both treatments allowed for a significant improvement with respect to baseline. Comparing the two groups, VAS, AOFAS and VISA-A scored significantly better at 15 and 30 days in the SVF in comparison to PRP group (p < 0.05). At the following time points the scores were not significantly different between the two groups. No correlation has been found between clinical and radiological findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Both PRP and SVF were safe, effective treatments for recalcitrant Achilles tendinopathy. The patients treated with SVF obtained faster results, thus suggesting that such a treatment should be taken into consideration for those patients who require an earlier return to daily activities or sport.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial, Level 1.

Clinical Applications of Ultrasonography in the Shoulder and Elbow

In the past 30 years, the use of ultrasonography in the field of orthopaedics has evolved. As ultrasonography has been refined, smaller machines with higher fidelity and better transducers have become available at a lower cost. Diagnostic and therapeutic applications of ultrasonography in the shoulder and elbow have expanded imaging options and provided alternatives to surgical management. Ultrasonography is a dynamic tool that affords immediate diagnostic assessment for clinical correlation and can be used for serial examinations and image guidance during therapeutic procedures. This imaging modality is highly reliable and accurate and may limit the need for costly imaging referrals, particularly in geographic areas where advanced imaging is not readily available. However, clinical expertise is paramount for ultrasonography, which is an operator-dependent modality. Ultrasonography is an effective educational resource; therefore, the curriculum in orthopaedic residency training programs should include education on this modality as the use of ultrasonography increases among orthopaedic surgeons.

Cytokine-release kinetics of platelet-rich plasma according to various activation protocols

Objectives

This study was conducted to evaluate the cytokine-release kinetics of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) according to different activation protocols.

Methods

Two manual preparation procedures (single-spin (SS) at 900 g for five minutes; double-spin (DS) at 900 g for five minutes and then 1500 g for 15 minutes) were performed for each of 14 healthy subjects. Both preparations were tested for platelet activation by one of three activation protocols: no activation, activation with calcium (Ca) only, or calcium with a low dose (50 IU per 1 ml PRP) of thrombin. Each preparation was divided into four aliquots and incubated for one hour, 24 hours, 72 hours, and seven days. The cytokine-release kinetics were evaluated by assessing PDGF, TGF, VEGF, FGF, IL-1, and MMP-9 concentrations with bead-based sandwich immunoassay.

Results

The concentration of cytokine released from PRP varied over time and was influenced by various activation protocols. Ca-only activation had a significant effect on the DS PRPs (where the VEGF, FGF, and IL-1 concentrations were sustained) while Ca/thrombin activation had effects on both SS and DS PRPs (where the PDGF and VEGF concentrations were sustained and the TGF and FGF concentrations were short). The IL-1 content showed a significant increase with Ca-only or Ca/thrombin activation while these activations did not increase the MMP-9 concentration.

Conclusion

The SS and DS methods differed in their effect on cytokine release, and this effect varied among the cytokines analysed. In addition, low dose of thrombin/calcium activation increased the overall cytokine release of the PRP preparations over seven days, relative to that with a calcium-only supplement or non-activation.

Cite this article: Professor J. H. Oh. Cytokine-release kinetics of platelet-rich plasma according to various activation protocols. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:37–45. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.52.2000540