ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy is a common condition that can be challenging to treat. There are many modalities used as treatment ranging from physiotherapy, injections, shockwave therapy to surgical intervention. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has increased in popularity recently as a treatment option for Achilles Tendinopathy. It contains growth factors that might accelerate healing and speed up the recovery of this condition. Many studies have been conducted in the last few years to assess the effectiveness of this treatment method. However, there was controversy as to whether PRP had a beneficial effect on chronic Achille tendinopathy. AIM: This systematic review of the literature was conducted to ascertain the efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) as a treatment option in chronic Achilles tendinopathy. METHODS: PRISMA reporting item for systematic review has been used to conduct the selection, Electronic databases included PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane collaborate, Google scholar, the web of science and Cochrane Library were searched for all RCT, prospective and retrospective studies conducted between January 2010 to February 2019. The quality of each study was evaluated using the Oxford CEBM tool to assess the articles for validity, relevance, and applicability of the results. A total number of 288 were found, and only 11 met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: 5 Randomised control trials, 4 prospective and 2 retrospective cohort study were included in this systematic review. A total number of 406 patients were treated for non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy of which 230 patients had PRP local injection under Ultrasound guide. CONCLUSION: Although many of the retrospective studies suggested an advantage of using PRP, the higher level of evidence studies do not support a significant efficacy. This systematic review showed very promising results from the use of Platelet Rich Plasma demonstrated by a significant improvement in the VAST-A score, but we certainly need decent size randomised control trials to show better and more accurate results.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The ankle is the second most frequent site, following the knee, that requires cartilage repair. Osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) is common among athletes and is a result of talar cartilage detachment with or without subchondral bone fragmentation after a traumatic event. Treatment strategies for OLT can be classified as reparative or replacement interventions, with the former taking precedence. Recent studies show that the growth factors and bioactive components in platelet rich plasma (PRP) could improve cartilage regeneration. The prospect of using autologous blood to obtain a product that could enhance regeneration in damaged cartilage has been regarded as innovative, as it could circumvent the need for a replacement, and potentially join the ranks of first line reparative interventions against cartilage diseases. METHODS: Literature searches were performed across seven search engines for randomized controlled trials using PRP to treat patients with OLT. Outcomes extracted included ankle function and pain measures. Level of evidence and methodological quality were evaluated using relevant guidelines. RESULTS: Four studies met the eligibility criteria and were systematically appraised. Two studies scored Level 1 and 2 scored Level 2 based on the LOE assessment. MQOE evaluation revealed one study with excellent quality, and three with good quality. Overall results showed that PRP, as an adjunct to microfracture surgery, significantly improved function and reduced pain compared to microfracture surgery alone. Intra-articular PRP injection also demonstrated significantly enhanced recovery of function, and decreased pain scores compared to HA. CONCLUSION: PRP improves joint function, and reduces pain in patients with OLT regardless of the method of implementation. In addition, inter-study comparison demonstrated that patients that received surgery along with PRP injections improved more than those that received PRP only. The studies that corroborate this conclusion have high levels of evidence with satisfactory methodological quality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2, systematic review of Level 1 and 2 studies.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Chronic low back pain is a common condition affecting a significant proportion of the population and has large economic implications on the society. Acupuncture has grown in popularity as an alternative therapy for chronic low back pain. Recent National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on low back pain offer a course of acupuncture as a baseline treatment option according to patient preference. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate if this treatment option is justified in view of recent evidence available on the efficacy of acupuncture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Studies included were identified by a PubMed search for relevant, randomised, controlled trials on the 23 July 2009. A systematic review was performed. RESULTS: Fifteen randomised controlled trials were identified. Of these, four met the eligibility criteria and were critically appraised. These trials suggest acupuncture can be superior to usual care in treating chronic low back pain, especially, when patients have positive expectations about acupuncture. CONCLUSIONS: NICE guidelines of a course of acupuncture, offered according to patient preference as a treatment option for chronic low back pain, are justified.
Subject(s)
Acupuncture Therapy , Low Back Pain/therapy , Acupuncture Therapy/psychology , Attitude to Health , Chronic Disease , Humans , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic/methods , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Neuritis ossificans is an extremely rare reactive process affecting peripheral nerves, which can be challenging to diagnose and treat. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent imaging modality for these lesions, showing inflammatory reaction around the nerve. Only a few cases have been previously reported, and all of the patients underwent surgical resection. In this article we report the first case of neuritis ossificans affecting the common peroneal nerve, treated non-operatively, and we review the literature.
