Welcome to the Regenerative Research Roundup, where we look through recently published research and bring you the best of the best in a quick-to-read digest.
This month, we explore:
High tibial osteotomy combined with PRP for knee osteoarthritis
PRP injections for greater trochanteric pain syndrome
Synolis VA (hyaluronic acid + sorbitol) injections for knee osteoarthritis
Let's dive in!
Efficacy and Safety of High Tibial Osteotomy Combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treating Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Chinese Population
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders // LOE: I (Meta-analysis)
This comprehensive meta-analysis examined 10 studies with 625 patients receiving HTO combined with PRP for knee osteoarthritis.
Key findings:
The combination of HTO+PRP showed significantly better outcomes than HTO alone or HTO with other injectables
Patients receiving HTO+PRP demonstrated better pain relief and functional improvement across multiple validated outcome measures
The combined treatment improved cartilage repair and regeneration without affecting mechanical alignment correction
No significant additional complications were noted with the addition of PRP
The authors conclude that HTO combined with PRP not only corrects biomechanical alignment but also enhances tissue healing and regeneration, potentially offering a more comprehensive treatment approach for knee OA patients.
Clinical Perspective:
This research provides strong evidence supporting the addition of PRP to HTO procedures. For surgeons currently performing HTOs, adding PRP appears to enhance outcomes without increasing complications. However, the timing of PRP administration and optimal preparation protocols still need standardization. When discussing treatment options with patients requiring HTO, the addition of PRP should be considered, particularly in cases where enhanced cartilage repair is desired. Cost-benefit discussions should include the potential for improved long-term outcomes against the additional expense of PRP preparation.
ACCESS HERE: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-024-08004-w
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome and the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections: A Systematic Review
Cureus // LOE: II (Systematic Review)
This systematic review analyzed nine studies examining PRP injections for greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS).
Key findings:
Eight out of nine studies showed sustained symptom improvement with PRP treatment
PRP demonstrated superior long-term efficacy compared to corticosteroid injections
Most studies showed improvements in pain and function lasting 6-24 months
Female patients over 50 years of age comprised the majority of study participants
The treatment was generally well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects
The authors conclude that PRP appears to be an effective injectable option for GTPS that hasn't responded to conservative treatment, though they note the need for larger randomized trials.
Clinical Perspective:
For clinicians treating GTPS, this review suggests PRP as a viable alternative to traditional corticosteroid injections, particularly for patients who have failed conservative treatment. The evidence is especially strong for middle-aged female patients, who represent the majority of GTPS cases. Consider PRP as a second-line treatment after failed conservative measures but before considering surgical options. Ultrasound guidance for injection accuracy and standardized PRP preparation protocols are recommended for optimal outcomes. Patient education should include the potential for delayed onset of relief compared to corticosteroid injections, but with possibly longer-lasting benefits.
ACCESS HERE: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.72597
Evaluation of the Results of Treatment of Primary Knee Osteoarthritis Using Intra-Joint Synolis VA Injection
Journal of Medical Pharmaceutical and Allied Sciences // LOE: I (Prospective RCT)
This prospective controlled study evaluated 101 patients (151 knees) comparing Synolis VA injections to conventional treatment for knee osteoarthritis.
Key findings:
Significant improvements in VAS pain scores starting at 4 weeks and continuing through 12 weeks
WOMAC scores showed substantial improvement compared to control group
92.3% of patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied with treatment
Knee flexion range improved by an average of 19.46 degrees
Minor side effects included temporary post-injection pain (10.8%) and joint tightness (27.1%)
The authors conclude that Synolis VA provides effective pain relief and functional improvement with a favorable safety profile.
Clinical Perspective:
This study provides compelling evidence for Synolis VA as a treatment option for knee OA patients, particularly those seeking alternatives to traditional hyaluronic acid or steroid injections. The high patient satisfaction rates and significant functional improvements suggest this could be an excellent option for patients with moderate OA who haven't responded to conservative treatment. The addition of sorbitol appears to enhance the durability of the hyaluronic acid, potentially offering longer-lasting benefits. When counseling patients, discuss the possibility of temporary post-injection discomfort, but emphasize the high satisfaction rates and functional improvements seen at 12 weeks.
ACCESS HERE: https://doi.org/10.55522/jmpas.V13I3.6466
If you have any questions or comments regarding the above research, or are wondering how you can apply it to your regenerative practice, please leave a comment below or shoot me an email at cdowns@mdbiologix.com
Cheers!
Connor
This blog post provides general information to help the reader better understand regenerative medicine, musculoskeletal health, and any related subjects. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and may not reflect the views and opinions of MDBiologix. All content provided in this blog, website, or any linked materials, including text, graphics, images, patient profiles, outcomes, and information, are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please always consult with a professional and certified healthcare provider to discuss if any treatment is right for you.
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