Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections - Thesis Example

Most minor injuries resolve on their own over time, often requiring only a minor period of rest. However, severe injuries demand surgical replacement of the ulnar collateral ligament. Recent advances in biomedical sciences have introduced novel modes of treatment that induce self-healing of the soft tissues in the patients. One such treatment is the use of Platelet-rich plasma, derived from the patient’s own blood. PRP is rich platelets that release growth factors, which accelerate the body’s self-healing mechanism, thereby repairing an injured UCL without the need for invasive surgeries. PRPs are also given in conjunction with surgical treatments to reduce patient recovery times. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the effects of PRP injections in patients with UCL injuries. We hypothesized that the administration of PRP decreases the pain experienced by patients suffering from UCL injuries. We chose to study patients who were baseball pitchers, in particular, to ensure homogeneity in the test population, and also because UCL injuries are more prevalent in them. We found that while there is no particular effect of PRP on the pain perceived by patients due to their injuries, patient satisfaction levels after the administration of PRP were considerably high, suggesting symptomatic relief. Keywords Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), autologous blood injection therapy, adductor aponeurosis, KJOC questionnaire Introduction Of late, an increasing number of cases of Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) injuries are being reported worldwide. Initially a common occurrence among sportspersons, it is now widespread among the general public. This can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of unsupervised exercise among individuals. Sportspersons like baseball pitchers, javelin throwers, tennis players, and wrestlers, who are involved in sports that require frequent exertion of the elbow, most commonly suffer from UCL injuries. Literature Review Frequent twisting of the elbow exerts stress on the UCL while hurling an object. Sudden jerks, improper throws, over-wielding, and repetition of a single motion, cause small tears in the ligament that accumulate over a period of time, ultimately leading to irreversible damage of the UCL. UCL injuries are observed in young pitchers as well. “Repetitive overhead throwing exerts significant mechanical stress on the shoulder and elbows joint; this stress can lead to developmental anatomic changes in the young thrower” (Limpisvasti et al 139-147)1. It is often observed that minor injuries occurring because of the overuse of joints often go unnoticed, as they are usually asymptomatic. Such injuries occur because of the “body’s inability to properly coordinate motion segments during the pitching delivery, leading to further structural damage.”1 According to Limpisvasti et al, it is crucial to avoid the overuse of the joints, in order to prevent such injuries. This can be done by proper analysis and optimization of the pitching mechanics, range of motion of the joint, scapular control, and the core strength of the player. The UCL is present at the medial as well as lateral side of the elbow and functions in stabilizing it. It is “critical for the valgus stability of the elbow” (Hechtman et al 620-624)2. The soft tissues that are an important part of the elbow joint stabilize the elbow. Elbow stabilizers include the collateral ligament complexes as well as the anterior capsule of the joint.