Infiltración ecoguiada articular de plasma rico en factores de crecimiento como terapia regenerativa en lesiones del manguito rotador / Ultrasound guided platelet-rich plasma injection for the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy: changing the concept of palliative pain management to regenerative shoulder therapy

Introducción El plasma rico en factores de crecimiento (PRFC) es un concentrado natural, autólogo, de polipéptidos, que se ha utilizado en diferentes campos de la medicina por su potencial para mejorar la regeneración tisular. El objetivo del estudio es explorar esta novedosa técnica para el tratamiento de las lesiones del manguito rotador del hombro. Materiales y métodos se realizó una serie de casos de pacientes con dolor y limitación funcional del hombro en un periodo de más de 3 meses de evolución y con diagnóstico ecográfico o de resonancia magnética de tendinosis y/o desgarro parcial de cualquiera de los componentes del manguito rotador (tendones del supraespinoso, infraespinoso, subescapular o bíceps braquial), que tenían, en la mayoría de los casos, bursitis subacromial asociada, con pobre respuesta al tratamiento conservador de AINES y terapia física. Para este estudio preliminar, no se incluyeron los pacientes con diagnóstico de ruptura completa del tendón, habitualmente el supraespinoso distal. Se programaron 2 infiltraciones articulares ecoguiadas consistente en la inyección de PRFC en el/los segmentos comprometidos que señalaba la ecografía o la RMN del hombro. La primera valoración post- tratamiento al mes de la segunda infiltración y luego seguimiento a los 2, 4 y 6 meses de la infiltración de refuerzo. Resultados Se analizaron los resultados de 36 pacientes, en los que observamos una mejoría estadísticamente significativa y progresiva en los puntajes clínicos evaluados (VAS y MACNAB) desde la valoración del 2 mes post-infiltración hasta el final de seguimiento a los 6 meses. Discusión Los resultados de la infiltración ecoguiada de PRFC en hombro del presente estudio nos permiten concluir que se trata de un procedimiento seguro y útil para el tratamiento de la patología articular del manguito rotador del hombro superior a los manejos farmacológicos u otras terapias paliativas del dolor. Nivel de Evidencia IV

Background Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) is a natural concentrate of autologous blood polypeptides already used in several fields of medicine because of its potential to enhance tissue regeneration. The aim of this study is to explore this novel approach to treat rotator cuff injuries of the shoulder. Materials and methods A case series of patients with chronic pain of the shoulder and failed conservative pharmacological management were treated with ultrasound-guided intra-articular injections of the shoulder with PRGF. The procedure consisted of two ultrasound-guided injections of PRGF in a 6 week interval, in each component of the rotator cuff depending on the findings of the previous ultrasound or the MRI study of the shoulder. Patients were clinically prospectively evaluated, before and one month after, the second injection of PRGF, and then at a 6 months follow-up. Results A significant improvement in the clinical evaluation scores (VAS score for pain intensity and Macnab criteria for functional recovery) was obtained from the initial evaluation to the end of the 6 months follow-up. Discussion The results indicate that the treatment with PRGF injections is safe and has the potential to reduce pain and improve shoulder function, and the quality of life in patients with rotator cuff injury. Evidence Level IV

Treatment Of Plantar Fasciitis By Corticosteroid Injection: To Rely On Your Fingers Or The Ultrasound Probe

Introduction:Plantar fasciitis (PF) is treated by corticosteroid injection using ultrasound-guidance (US) or palpation-guided. Our study aims to compare the efficacy and outcome parameters of the two modalities. Methods:208 patients of PF were randomly allocated in two groups, group A (US-guidance) and group B (palpation-guided) while treating them with corticosteroid injection. Pain, plantar fascia thickness (PFT) and heel pad thickness (HPT) were measured and analysed during follow-up. Results:Statistically significant improvement in pain score and decrease in PFT was recorded in both groups which was more in US-guided group, while no difference was noted in HPT. Decrease in pain significantly correlated to decrease in PFTbut had no correlations with decrease in HPT. Conclusion:US-guided injection is better than palpation-guided injection providing greater relief in pain and normalization of PFT as it enhances the accuracy of injection site by precise localization of the plantar fascia and guided needle placement during injection. It also aids in diagnosis and plays an important role in prognosis of PF.

Ultrasound-Guided Injections in the Lumbar and Sacral Spine

STUDY DESIGN: Literature review. OBJECTIVE: Ultrasound-guided injections are a common clinical treatment for lower lumbosacral pain that are usually performed before surgical treatment if conservative treatment fails. The aim of this article was to review ultrasound-guided injections in the lumbar and sacral spine. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Ultrasound-guided injections, unlike conventional interventions using computed tomography or C-arm fluoroscopy, can be performed under simultaneous observation of muscles, ligaments, vessels, and nerves. Additionally, they have no radiation exposure and do not require a large space for the installation of equipment, so they are increasingly selected as an alternative method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched for and reviewed studies related to the use of ultrasound-guided injections in the lumbar and sacral spine. RESULTS: In order to perform accurate ultrasound-guided injections, it is necessary to understand the patient's posture during the intervention, the relevant anatomy, and normal and abnormal ultrasonographic findings. Facet joint intra-articular injections, medial branch block, epidural block, selective nerve root block, and sacroiliac joint injections can be effectively performed under ultrasound guidance. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided injections in the lumbar and sacral spine are an efficient method for treating lumbosacral pain.

A Randomized Comparative Study of Blind versus Ultrasound Guided Glenohumeral Joint Injection of Corticosteroids for Treatment of Shoulder Stiffness

BACKGROUND: We prospectively compared the response to blind and ultrasound-guided glenohumeral injection of corticosteroids for treatment of shoulder stiffness. METHODS: A total of 77 patients with shoulder stiffness between April 2008 and March 2012 were recruited. Patients were randomized to receive either a blind (group 1, n=39) or ultrasound-guided (group 2, n=38) glenohumeral injection of 40 mg triamcinolone. The clinical outcomes and shoulder range of motion (ROM) before injection, at 3, 6, and 12 months after injection and at the last follow-up were assessed. The same rehabilitation program was applied in both groups during the follow-up period. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in demographic data on age, sex, ROM, and symptom duration before injection between groups (p>0.05). There were no significant differences in ROM including forward flexion, external rotation at the side, external rotation at 90o abduction, and internal rotation, visual analogue scale for pain and functional outcomes including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Simple Shoulder test between the two groups at any time point (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the current data, the result of ultrasound-guided glenohumeral injection was not superior to that of blind injection in the treatment of shoulder stiffness. We suggest that ultrasound-guided glenohumeral injection could be performed according to the patient's compliance and the surgeon's preference. Once familiar with the non-imaging-guided glenohumeral injection, it is an efficient and reliable method for the experienced surgeon. Ultrasound could be performed according to the surgeon's preference.

A Randomized Comparative Study of Blind versus Ultrasound Guided Glenohumeral Joint Injection of Corticosteroids for Treatment of Shoulder Stiffness

BACKGROUND: We prospectively compared the response to blind and ultrasound-guided glenohumeral injection of corticosteroids for treatment of shoulder stiffness. METHODS: A total of 77 patients with shoulder stiffness between April 2008 and March 2012 were recruited. Patients were randomized to receive either a blind (group 1, n=39) or ultrasound-guided (group 2, n=38) glenohumeral injection of 40 mg triamcinolone. The clinical outcomes and shoulder range of motion (ROM) before injection, at 3, 6, and 12 months after injection and at the last follow-up were assessed. The same rehabilitation program was applied in both groups during the follow-up period. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in demographic data on age, sex, ROM, and symptom duration before injection between groups (p>0.05). There were no significant differences in ROM including forward flexion, external rotation at the side, external rotation at 90o abduction, and internal rotation, visual analogue scale for pain and functional outcomes including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Simple Shoulder test between the two groups at any time point (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the current data, the result of ultrasound-guided glenohumeral injection was not superior to that of blind injection in the treatment of shoulder stiffness. We suggest that ultrasound-guided glenohumeral injection could be performed according to the patient's compliance and the surgeon's preference. Once familiar with the non-imaging-guided glenohumeral injection, it is an efficient and reliable method for the experienced surgeon. Ultrasound could be performed according to the surgeon's preference.

Feasibility of Ultrasound Guided Atlanto-occipital Joint Injection

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound guided atlanto-occipital joint injection. METHOD: Six atlanto-occipital joints of three cadavers were examined. Cadavers were placed in prone position with their head slightly rotated towards the contra-lateral side. The atlanto-occipital joint was initially identified with a longitudinal ultrasound scan at the midline between occipital protuberance and mastoid process. Contrast media 0.5cc was injected into the atlanto-occipital joint using an in-plane needle approach under ultrasound guide. The location of the needle tip and spreading pattern of the contrast was confirmed by fluoroscopic evaluation. RESULTS: After ultrasound guided atlanto-occipital joint injection, spreading of the contrast media into the joint was seen in all the injected joints in the anterior-posterior fluoroscopic view. CONCLUSION: The ultrasound guided atlanto-occipital injection is feasible. The ultrasound guided injection by Doppler examination can provide a safer approach to the atlanto-occipital joint.

Feasibility of Ultrasound-Guided Intraarticular Contrast Injection for MR Arthrography

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of ultrasound-guided intraarticular contrast injection using the posterior approach for MR arthrography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2002 and October 2004, 132 patients (29 female, 103 male: mean age, 33.6 years) underwent ultrasound-guided intraarticular contrast media injection (40 ml saline+10 ml 2% lidocaine(R)+0.2 ml gadopentetate dimeglumine+0.4 ml epinephrine(R) for MR arthrography. The patients were classified into four groups, viz. the no leakage group, the minor leakage with successful intraarticular injection group, the major leakage with unsuccessful intraarticular injection group, and the injection failure group. RESULTS: The "no leakage" and "minor leakage" groups were considered to be technical successes, while the "major leakage" and "injection failure" groups were regarded as technical failures. The technical success rate of ultrasound-guided intraarticular contrast injection using the posterior approach for MR Arthrography was 99.2% (131/132 patients) and one patient 0.7% (1/132 patients) was included in the "major leakage" group. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided intraarticular contrast injection using the posterior approach for MR arthrography was feasible with a high success rate.