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Tollefson LV, Jacobson NJ, LaPrade RF. Patellar Tendon Open Debridement and Reconstruction With Hamstring Tendon Autograft for Severe Patellar Tendinopathy. Arthrosc Tech 2024; 13:102931. [PMID: 38835451 PMCID: PMC11144736 DOI: 10.1016/j.eats.2024.102931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Patellar tendinopathy is an overuse injury of the patella tendon common in jumping sports or activities. Degeneration of the patellar tendon fibers causes microtears in the tendon, leading to partial patellar tendon tears. If nonoperative treatment fails and the tears are mild, a debridement of the detached tissue with a patella tendon repair can help to reduce pain, promote healing, and improve function. However, if more than 50% of the patella tendon attachment to the inferior pole of the patella is detached, a debridement with a patellar tendon reconstruction is indicated to restore the strength of the patellar tendon. This reconstruction technique uses gracilis and semitendinosus autografts to surround and reconstruct the patellar tendon. Tunnels are drilled horizontally at the tibial tubercle and through the midpoint of the patella for graft passage. This technique can help to improve patient outcomes and reduce some of the risk of failure associated with performing only the debridement when significant partial patellar tendon tearing is present.
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Arner JW, Kaeding CC, Bradley JP. Management of Patellar Tendinopathy. Arthroscopy 2024; 40:13-15. [PMID: 38123261 DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Patellar tendinopathy is a common pathology typically seen in athletes involved in repetitive explosive jumping and running activities. Also known as jumpers' knee, it is commonly seen in high-level basketball players. Typically, athletes continue to play with symptoms, which can be aggravated and progress to partial patellar tendon tears. When partial patellar tendon tears occur, prolonged recovery and decreased performance is commonly seen. The pathology and treatment can be frustrating for both the athlete and medical provider. Patellar tendinopathy typically does not involve inflammation but rather microinjury to the tendon fibers, which leads to mucoid degeneration, necrosis, and loss of transitional fibrocartilage. When partial tendon tears do occur, the typical location is posteromedially adjacent to the patella. Treatment involves a stepwise approach starting with nonoperative means, including activity modification, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, and physical therapy focused on eccentrics. Extracorporeal shock wave treatments and injections with platelet-rich plasma or bone marrow aspirate concentrate should be considered, with evolving literature to support their use. Ultrasound percutaneous tendon scrapping with a needle supplemented with the aforementioned injections is an emerging treatment option that the authors have found to be helpful, although further studies are required. Surgical intervention is considered after failure of nonoperative treatments, and typically occurs in tears greater than 50% of the tendon thickness and in tendons with increased thickness (>8.8 mm). Open or arthroscopic debridement can be considered, with no studies showing superior outcomes with either technique; however, no high-quality comparison studies exist. The authors prefer an open technique where, much like a bone-patellar tendon-bone harvest, the unhealthy proximal tendon and bone are excised with then closure of the healthy tendon with absorbable sutures. Suture anchor repair may also be used when necessary. In a recent systematic review, surgical management of patellar tendinopathy has been shown to result in improved patient-reported outcomes with return to sport at high levels.1 Treatment for the difficult and sometimes frustrating pathology of patellar tendinopathy continues to evolve, with biologic and less-invasive ultrasound-based treatments showing promise, and surgical intervention providing reliable outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin W Arner
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Burke and Bradley Orthopedics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A..
| | | | - James P Bradley
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Burke and Bradley Orthopedics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
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Sugrañes J, Jackson GR, Mameri ES, Schundler S, Obioha OA, Pascual TA, Chahla J. Current Concepts in Patellar Tendinopathy: An Overview of Imaging, Pathogenesis, and Nonoperative and Operative Management. JBJS Rev 2023; 11:01874474-202308000-00007. [PMID: 37590404 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.rvw.23.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
» Approximately 1 in 3 high-impact athletes develops patellar tendinopathy (PT), with the proximal insertion of the patellar tendon being the most commonly affected anatomical site.» Nonoperative treatment options are effective in reducing pain and restoring functionality in most patients with PT. However, operative intervention should be considered when conservative management fails.» A comprehensive review of the literature on surgical procedures, including both open and arthroscopic approaches, was conducted with a specific focus on clinical outcomes and return to sports.» Both open surgery and arthroscopic surgery for PT have demonstrated favorable success rates and return-to-sport outcomes, with arthroscopic treatment potentially expediting the recovery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Sugrañes
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Garrett R Jackson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Enzo S Mameri
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Schundler
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Obianuju A Obioha
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Tomás A Pascual
- Department of Radiology, HIMAN Barrio Norte, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jorge Chahla
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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Lu J, Li H, Zhang Z, Xu R, Wang J, Jin H. Platelet-rich plasma in the pathologic processes of tendinopathy: a review of basic science studies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1187974. [PMID: 37545895 PMCID: PMC10401606 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1187974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tendinopathy is a medical condition that includes a spectrum of inflammatory and degenerative tendon changes caused by traumatic or overuse injuries. The pathological mechanism of tendinopathy has not been well defined, and no ideal treatment is currently available. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous whole blood derivative containing a variety of cytokines and other protein components. Various basic studies have found that PRP has the therapeutic potential to promote cell proliferation and differentiation, regulate angiogenesis, increase extracellular matrix synthesis, and modulate inflammation in degenerative tendons. Therefore, PRP has been widely used as a promising therapeutic agent for tendinopathy. However, controversies exist over the optimal treatment regimen and efficacy of PRP for tendinopathy. This review focuses on the specific molecular and cellular mechanisms by which PRP manipulates tendon healing to better understand how PRP affects tendinopathy and explore the reason for the differences in clinical trial outcomes. This article has also pointed out the future direction of basic research and clinical application of PRP in the treatment of tendinopathy, which will play a guiding role in the design of PRP treatment protocols for tendinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Lu
- Department of Pain, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Norman Bethune Health Science Center of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Han Li
- Norman Bethune Health Science Center of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ziyu Zhang
- Norman Bethune Health Science Center of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jincheng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hui Jin
- Department of Pain, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Cognetti DJ, Sheean AJ, Arner JW, Wilkerson D, Bradley JP. Surgical Management of Patellar Tendinopathy Results in Improved Outcomes and High Rates of Return to Sport: A Systematic Review. J Knee Surg 2022. [PMID: 36162426 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1757701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although the majority of patients with patellar tendinopathy (PT) can be treated nonoperatively, operative management may be indicated for recalcitrant cases. While several surgical techniques have been described, there is limited understanding of postoperative outcomes and expectations regarding return to activity and sport. The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical outcomes associated with the surgical management of PT with an emphasis on return to sport (RTS) rates. We hypothesized that surgical management would lead to clinically important improvements in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with high rates of RTS and RTS at the same level. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Medline, and Embase databases was performed in December 2020. Level of evidence studies I through IV, investigating results of surgical management for PT (PRO, functional outcomes, pain, and/or RTS), were included. The search was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Forty clinical studies reporting on surgery for PT satisfied inclusion criteria, with 1,238 total knees undergoing surgery for PT. A comparison of pre- and postoperative Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment, patellar tendon (VISA-P) scores (mean difference: 41.89, p < 0.00001), Lysholm scores (mean difference: 41.52, p < 0.00001), and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores (mean difference: 5, p < 0.00001) demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvements after surgery. The overall RTS rate following operative management was 89.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 86.4-92.8, I 2 = 56.5%) with 76.1% (95% CI: 69.7.5-81.9, I 2 = 76.4%) of athletes returning to the same level of activity. Surgery for PT provides meaningful improvement in patient reported outcomes and pain while allowing athletes to RTS at high rates with levels of participation similar to that of preinjury. Comparative studies of open and/or arthroscopic surgery are still limited but current evidence suggests better rates of RTS for arthroscopic surgery compared with open surgery. This is a systematic review of level-I to -IV studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Cognetti
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, San Antonio Military Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Andrew J Sheean
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, San Antonio Military Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Justin W Arner
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Devaughn Wilkerson
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - James P Bradley
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Vajapey S, Ghenbot S, Baria MR, Magnussen RA, Vasileff WK. Utility of Percutaneous Ultrasonic Tenotomy for Tendinopathies: A Systematic Review. Sports Health 2020; 13:258-264. [PMID: 33252310 DOI: 10.1177/1941738120951764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Chronic tendinopathy is a challenging problem that can lead to significant disability and limitation in not only athletics but also activities of daily living. While there are many treatment techniques described for this overuse injury, no single modality has been proven superior to all others. With recent advances in medical technology, percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy (PUT) for tendinosis has gained traction with promising results. OBJECTIVE To examine the data published on PUT for treatment of tendinopathy, analyze the outcomes of the procedure, including duration of pain relief and patient-reported outcomes, and assess the rate of complications associated with the procedure. DATA SOURCES PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. STUDY SELECTION The following combination of keywords was entered into the electronic search engines: ultrasonic tenotomy, ultrasound tenotomy, Tenex, and ultrasonic percutaneous tenotomy. The search results were screened for studies relevant to the topic. Only English-language studies were considered for inclusion. Studies consisting of level 4 evidence or higher and those involving human participants were included for more detailed evaluation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 4. DATA EXTRACTION Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were sorted and reviewed. Type of tendinopathy studied, outcome measures, and complications were recorded. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed on the data collected. RESULTS There were a total of 7 studies that met the inclusion criteria and quality measures-5 studies involving the treatment of elbow tendinopathy and 1 study each involving the management of Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis. PUT resulted in decreased pain/disability scores and improved functional outcome scores for chronic elbow tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis. Results for Achilles tendinopathy showed modest improvement in the short term, but long-term data are lacking. CONCLUSION PUT is a minimally invasive treatment technique that can be considered in patients with tendinopathy refractory to conservative treatment measures. Further higher quality studies are necessary to accurately assess the comparative effectiveness of this treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sravya Vajapey
- Sports Medicine Research Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Sennay Ghenbot
- The Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Michael R Baria
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Robert A Magnussen
- Sports Medicine Research Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - W Kelton Vasileff
- Sports Medicine Research Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Barnett J, Bernacki MN, Kainer JL, Smith HN, Zaharoff AM, Subramanian SK. The effects of regenerative injection therapy compared to corticosteroids for the treatment of lateral Epicondylitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Physiother 2019; 9:12. [PMID: 31754461 PMCID: PMC6854772 DOI: 10.1186/s40945-019-0063-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lateral epicondyle is a common site for chronic tendinosis (i.e. lateral epicondylitis), a condition characterized by overuse and degeneration of a tendon due to repeated microtrauma. This leads to pain and functional limitations. There is a growing interest in non-surgical forms of treatment for this condition including provision of corticosteroid injections and regenerative injection therapy (provision of autologous blood and platelet rich plasma injections). OBJECTIVE We compared the effectiveness of corticosteroids with regenerative injection therapy for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. METHODS We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials published in English language from 2008 to 2018. Databases used included PEDro, Scopus, PubMed, and CINAHL. Nine articles met our selection criteria. The PEDRo scale scores helped assess study quality. Cochrane risk of bias criteria helped assess bias. We analyzed results focusing on pain and function using meta-analyses. RESULTS Six out of 9 studies had low risk of bias. There were no short-term (1 and 2 month) differences in pain scores between the corticosteroid and regenerative injection groups. Participants receiving regenerative injections demonstrated greater long-term improvements lasting for a period of ≈2 years. CONCLUSION Regenerative injections provision results in greater long-term pain relief and improved function for people with lateral epicondylitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Barnett
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MSC 6247, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA
- The Non-Surgical Center of Texas, San Antonio, USA
| | - Madison N. Bernacki
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MSC 6247, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA
| | - Jessica L. Kainer
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MSC 6247, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA
| | - Hannah N. Smith
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MSC 6247, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA
| | | | - Sandeep K. Subramanian
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MSC 6247, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA
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Zhang B, Qu TB, Pan J, Wang ZW, Zhang XD, Ren SX, Wen L, Chen T, Ma DS, Lin Y, Cheng CK. Open Patellar Tendon Tenotomy and Debridement Combined with Suture-bridging Double-row Technique for Severe Patellar Tendinopathy. Orthop Surg 2017; 8:51-9. [PMID: 27028381 DOI: 10.1111/os.12220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To create a new surgical procedure for chronic severe patellar tendinopathy and to evaluate its clinical efficacy. METHODS In this retrospective study, the data of 12 patients with severe patellar tendinopathy in 14 knees who had undergone surgical treatment at Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital between 1 March 2009 and 1 August 2013 were analyzed. Inclusion criteria included severe patellar tendinopathy (Phase III), conservative therapy for more than 6 months, American Society of Anesthesiology status Grade I-II, and body mass index <30. Patients with severe osteoporosis, complete tendon disruption (Phase IV) and those who were unable to cooperate were excluded. There were 8 men (10 knees) and 4 women (4 knees) cases. The patients' ages ranged from 38 to 54 years (mean, 45.3 years). All surgeries had been performed by the same physician. Surgical treatment comprised incising open patellar midline tenotomy, complete debridement and suture-bridging double-row fixation. Isotonic and kinetic chain exercises were implemented after the second post-operative week. A gradual increase to full weight-bearing was allowed after the third post-operative week and a gradual return to unrestricted use of the leg after the eighth post-operative week. Preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and Lysholm knee scores were obtained from the medical records or at recent postoperative follow-up visits and the results compared using Student's two-tailed paired t-test. RESULTS VAS scores decreased by a mean of 6.7 points (range, 1.1-7.8 points) during follow-up (minimum duration 14 months; range, 14-44 months) and Lysholm scores increased from 55.7 ± 6.5 points to 90.4 ± 6.2 points. Three cases (4 knees) achieved excellent outcomes (≥95 points) and 9 cases (10 knees) good outcomes (range, 86-94 points). No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. There were significant differences between preoperative and postoperative VAS and Lysholm scores (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS All study patients achieved good or excellent outcomes. No patellar tendon rupture or suture fixation failure occurred during follow-up. Suture-bridging double-row fixation is a simple and reliable method that not only improves patients' clinical symptoms, but also restores knee joint function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tie-Bing Qu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang Pan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Xiang Ren
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Wen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - De-Si Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng-Kung Cheng
- International Research Center for Implantable and Interventional Medical Devices, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Stuhlman CR, Stowers K, Stowers L, Smith J. Current Concepts and the Role of Surgery in the Treatment of Jumper's Knee. Orthopedics 2016; 39:e1028-e1035. [PMID: 27482730 DOI: 10.3928/01477447-20160714-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Jumper's knee is a common cause of anterior knee pain among athletes and active populations. Numerous treatments have been described with variable results. To better delineate this, the authors reviewed all articles from 2000 to 2014 pertaining to the treatment of patellar tendinopathy, focusing namely on treatment of recalcitrant cases. Open and arthroscopic techniques were found to achieve similar satisfactory results in 81% (range, 45%-100%) and 91% (range, 86%-96%) of patients, respectively. Average time to return to play was 5.6 months and 5 months, respectively. A recently described technique, percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy, potentially represents an attractive alternative option for definitive intervention. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(6):e1028-e1035.].
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Zhang J, Wang JHC. PRP treatment effects on degenerative tendinopathy - an in vitro model study. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J 2014; 4:10-17. [PMID: 24932441 PMCID: PMC4049643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become a popular option for the treatment of injured tendons. However, the efficacy of PRP treatment is a matter of heated debate in orthopaedics and sports medicine. In this study, we used a cell culture model to evaluate the potential effects of PRP treatment on degenerative tendinopathy. The in vitro model, which uses the current concept of "diseases-in-a-dish", consisted of tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSCs) that were derived from rabbit tendons and cultured in differentiating media with and without autologous platelet-rich clot releasate (PRCR). We found that 10% PRCR treatment of TSCs blocked their non-tenogenic differentiation, as evidenced by the marked decrease in lipid droplets, proteoglycan accumulation, and calcium deposition on cell surfaces. Moreover, the protein markers for non-tenocytes (adiponectin, collagen type II, and osteocalcin) were either minimally expressed or greatly reduced. However, after TSCs underwent non-tenogenic differentiation by pre-treatment in non-tenogenic media for two days, PRCR only slightly reduced adipogenesis and osteogenesis of TSCs, although chondrogenesis was markedly suppressed. Finally, PRCR treatment after pre-treatment of TSCs in non-tenogenic media for one week had little effect on any of the three nontenogenic differentiations of TSCs. These findings suggest that the injection of PRP in clinics may not be able to effectively reverse the degenerative conditions of late-stage tendinopathy, which are characterized by lipid depositions, proteoglycan accumulation, and calcification, either alone or in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James H-C. Wang
- Corresponding author: James H-C. Wang, 210 Lothrop Street, BST, E1640 15213 Pittsburgh, PA, E-mail:
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