shahzaib1578 - Orthopedic Surgery San Diego

31/Aug/2014

Many of the kids playing pop warner or teens playing high school football in the Carlsbad and North County area may have sustained shoulder injuries or neck pain, similar to Pro NFL players. St. Louis Rams officials described Rodger Saffold’s recent shoulder problem as a “stinger,” a term familiar to people who play contact sports.

Saffold suffered the injury in his left shoulder during training camp, ESPN reported. It took nearly a month for symptoms to subside to the point that the offensive lineman was ready to return to action. This is unusual.

Technically called a brachial plexus injury, a stinger afflicts about one in two college football players. Wrestlers, gymnasts, snow skiers and martial-arts enthusiasts also are vulnerable. A stinger can occur when a collision or fall causes the shoulder and head to snap in opposite directions. It also may result from the head being forced to the side, or from blunt-force trauma of the collarbone.

Such violent movements and impacts compress and excessively stretch nerves in the neck and shoulder, causing an electric stinging sensation that may extend to the arm and hand. Some patients describe the pain and discomfort as “burning” or “tingling.” Others feel weak or numb in the shoulder or arm. Neck pain can be an indication of another type of injury or disorder.

Many experience the symptoms for only a few seconds or minutes. Others need treatment for several days or weeks. Sometimes, there is a nerve injury that continues to cause shoulder pain and weakness. People who have had one stinger are more likely to suffer more of them. Each time it happens, the joint gets weaker and nerves sustain additional damage.

Nerves function like electrical cables in the spinal canal, allowing the brain to send messages to the muscles. Nerves that branch from the spine, where it meets the neck, form the brachial plexus (a bundle of nerves). All the nerves that permit a person to feel and move the arm travel through the cord.

Most patients get stingers on one side of the body, though full contact with another person or an unmovable object can injure both shoulders. In some cases, people have stingers on both sides because of spinal-cord damage.

Treatments for the pain and burning include resting the shoulder and arm, alternating applications of ice and heat, and taking anti-inflammatory drugs. When the discomfort continues longer than several weeks, medical tests are needed to diagnose the problem. There might be nerve damage that cannot heal on its own.

Doctors study patients’ medical histories, and conduct physical exams, to diagnose stingers. They determine the extent to which the brachial plexus has been stretched, and evaluate nerve function and reflexes. More tests are ordered if a patient appears to have a cervical spine injury. Diagnostic methods include x-rays, MRIs and EMGs. It is important the player seek medical attention so that a doctor can unmask any latent anatomic risks that puts a player at risk.

Some patients wear cervical collars to take pressure off the nerves until they can recover. Doctors often give cortisone to reduce the swelling. They advise patients to refrain from strenuous activity until the pain is gone, full range of neck motion returns, and testing has confirmed there is no nerve damage. Strengthening neck muscles and improving posture can help prevent recurrences.

Surgery becomes necessary when a herniated disk or bone spur compresses and injures a nerve. Without the procedure, a patient is likely to continue experiencing severe pain and weakness. Let our Orthopedic Surgery San Diego award winning orthopedic sports medicine specialists evaluate you to help you maximize your recovery.

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31/Aug/2014

Many of our Carlsbad and North County San Diego competitive soccer players sustain ACL tear every year. Even though, sports medicine specialists take measures to prevent such devastating knee injuries, a twisting injury to the knee suffered by the Arizona Cardinals’ Darnell Dockett is just the latest ACL tear to sideline a professional athlete.

ESPN reported that Dockett, a defensive tackle, damaged the knee when his foot caught in the turf during training camp in Tempe, Ariz. Following an examination, doctors scheduled Dockett for surgery. Just a few days earlier, Rams quarterback Sam Bradford sustained an ACL tear as a result of a hard hit by a defensive lineman. Both players are out for the season. The risk of sustaining such knee injuries and other ligament tears are somewhat preventable with proper core strengthening.

ACL is short for anterior cruciate ligament, connective tissue that extends from beneath the femur (thigh bone) to the top of the tibia (the large bone in the lower leg). The smallest of the four main ligaments in the knee, it stabilizes the knee for rotational movements. The ACL enables a person to make fast “cuts” while running. It is rarely stressed during activities like jogging that do not involve sudden stops, twists or turns.

ACL tear and sprains were once referred to as “trick knees.” They occur frequently in football, basketball, soccer and tennis because of the pressure and repetitive stress that athletes put on their knees. Most of the 250,000 to 300,000 ACL tear injuries reported in the United States each year involve people who play sports. The odds of an athlete spraining or tearing an ACL reportedly is about 1,000 to 1.

ACL Tear Types:

A Grade 1 ACL tear features a ligament that has been stretched too far. It does not usually prevent normal use of the knee. A Grade 2 sprain results from the ligament being stretched to the point that it is loose. This condition also is called a partial tear. The most serious ACL tear injury, a Grade 3 sprain, is a complete tear, in which the ligament is severed and the knee becomes unstable.

The ways that Dockett and Bradford hurt their knees were typical. ACL tears result from changing direction too quickly or stopping suddenly, landing wrong on the knee after jumping, and the blunt-force trauma of a blow to the joint or a collision. When an ACL tear occurs, the person might hear a popping sound in the knee. The joint gives out and quickly becomes inflamed. This causes a great deal of pain, as well as loss of mobility and range of motion.

While a mild sprain sometimes heals without surgery, an ACL tear must be repaired for a patient to regain full use of the knee. It is not possible to merely stitch back together the two pieces of a severed ligament. Orthopedic surgeons reconstruct ACLs by grafting tissue from the patellar tendon (with attaches the kneecap to the shine bone), the hamstring tendons (in the back of the thigh) or the quadriceps tendon (which runs from the kneecap to the thigh). Tissues from cadavers also are used.

The arthroscopic procedure requires only small incisions in the skin. Surgeons insert miniature instruments, which they manipulate to graft the tissues. Patients experience less pain, and recover more quickly, than they would if more invasive surgery were needed. Sometimes, ACL injuries happen in conjunction with damage to other ligaments or cartilage. That can necessitate more extensive surgical procedures. You don’t have to live with the knee pain and instability. Contact our Orthopedic Surgery San Diego Sports Medicine specialists to help you regain your mobility and be the best athlete you can be.

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31/Aug/2014

Separated Shoulder Injury Sidelines Another Athlete……

Whether a soccer player in Carlsbad, mountain biker in San Diego, or an ice hockey player on the ice, shoulder injury such as a separation are a dime-a-dozen but need to be taken seriously. Pittsburgh Steelers’ rookie Martavis Bryant is the latest professional football player to suffer an AC joint sprain, commonly known as a shoulder separation.

The wide receiver could miss much of the season, depending upon the extent of the damage in his shoulder, ESPN reported.The source of the shoulder pain resulting from such a shoulder injury is the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, between the shoulder blade (scapula) and collarbone (clavicle) on the top of the shoulder. The scapula and clavicle form the joint socket, which holds the rounded end of the arm bone (humerus). A shoulder separation happens at the point where the shoulder blade (acromion) attaches to the clavicle.

Falling on a shoulder while the arm is extended is often responsible for an AC joint separation. This shoulder injury can happen while playing sports, or when riding a horse or bicycle. Extraordinarily common with mountain bikers going over the handle bars. A collision or direct blow to the shoulder also may cause this shoulder injury.

The impact of falling or getting hit damages ligaments that stabilize the joint. When the ligaments under the clavicle tear, a separation of the collarbone and wingbone occurs. The wingbone shifts into a lower position, producing a bulge above the shoulder.

The severity of AC sprains varies. In some cases, people feel only slight shoulder pain, along with some swelling and bruising. More serious shoulder injuries involve additional pain and physical deformity. The more a joint is distorted, the longer it takes for the patient to recover.

Shoulder separations are classified in six categories, based on the degree of damage. A Type 1 separation, in which the bones are not forced out of alignment, is only an injury to the capsule that surrounds the AC joint. Patients feel pain, but typically recover quickly.

A person with a Type II separation also has an injured AC joint capsule, as well as a partially torn coracoclavicularone ligament (which supports the clavicle). The injury is often characterized by a small bump. A Type III sprain is similar to a Type II separation, but more extensive. The bump on the top of the shoulder is pronounced.

A less common diagnosis, Type IV shoulder separation, features a clavicle that has been forced behind the AC joint. In a Type V separation, the end of the clavicle punctures the muscle above the joint, causing a large bump. A Type VI separation is rare. It involves the clavicle being pushed down, below the corocoid (a section of the scapula).

Treatments for AC joint separations include rest, ice and medication. Patients often wear slings, and refrain from intense physical activity, until the pain subsides and normal joint mobility returns. Most people, even those who suffer deformities, regain shoulder function. Some continue to experience pain, because the AC joint has been misshapen in a way that causes bones to rub together. Cartilage damage and arthritis also can cause persistent pain.

If a patient’s condition does not improve, surgery is an option. A common procedure entails trimming the end of the collarbone to prevent it from irritating the shoulder blade. Dedicated shoulder surgeons like the award winning doctors at Orthopedic Surgery San Diego can perform even more cutting edge procedures that reconstruct the damaged shoulder ligaments. To correct deformities, orthopedic surgeons reconstruct the ligaments that support the bottom of the collarbone. Call Orthopedic Surgery San Diego for an appointment to discuss your injury.

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30/Aug/2014

This has nothing to do with orthopedic surgery. However, as a father, I feel that this is relevant to most of my patients. So here goes!

Already banned in baby products, the industrial compound BPA also might be a threat to women’s reproductive health.

The New York Times reported that “the accumulating research (is causing) rising concern among scientists that childhood exposure to BPA may contribute to female infertility, and that adult exposure may result in a shorter reproductive life span.”

The degree of the danger is unknown, as numerous efforts to study BPA effects have produced mixed results. Lifestyle, heredity and exposure to other chemicals also might be responsible for the symptoms observed in research subjects. However, most medical authorities believe there is enough evidence to link the compound with ovarian damage.

University of Illinois bioscientist Jodi Flaws injected BPA into young, female mice for a month. She observed that the mice developed fewer, and smaller, follicles in their ovaries. They had insufficient levels of estradiol, a sex hormone necessary for reproductive development. Flaws concluded that BPA inhibits the ability of enzymes to produce the hormone.

Her research was confirmed in another study, which found that the production of eggs in BPA-treated mice ended when the animals were young. The same results have been detected in sheep, monkeys and people.

Patricia Hunt, a genetics professor at Washington State University, gave BPA to rhesus monkeys while the animals were pregnant. She reported that the compound altered the follicles in the same way it had affected rodents in earlier studies. According to Hunt, there is no reason to expect a different outcome in humans.

Flaws called BPA an “ovarian toxicant,” an opinion shared by researchers whose findings appeared in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

Harvard University researchers studied women at in-vitro fertilization clinics, to find out how BPA affected them. The compound was detected in the urine of 80 percent of the young mothers. Women with the highest levels of BPA had the lowest number of follicles, resulting in the production of fewer fertile eggs. In many cases, the subjects’ follicular fluid also tested positive for BPA.

The Times reported that the researchers also analyzed 357 oocytes (ovarian cells) from more than 120 women at the clinics. BPA appeared to inhibit the cells’ growth and damage chromosomes.

“Together with prior animal studies, the data support the negative influences of BPA on oocyte maturation,” the scientists wrote.

BPA is an ingredient of numerous products, including plastics, can and pipe linings, and thermal paper coatings. Identified by scientists in the late 1800s, the compound became popular with manufacturers in the mid-20th century. The Times noted that few people questioned the safety of BPA before the late 1990s, when a study indicated that the chemical adversely affected hormones.

Based on the mounting evidence of health risks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the use of BPA in baby bottles and products intended for infants. However, the compound is still found in a number of consumer products. Studies suggest that BPA contaminates the bodies of most people in the United States.

Authorities advise women to avoid BPA, as researchers continue efforts to prove the compound’s toxicity.

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30/Aug/2014

The danger of gestational diabetes, birth injuries and miscarriage is greater for pregnant women who are obese, according to a “Healthy Moms” study published in the journal Obesity.
The Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in Portland, Ore., also found that overweight mothers are more likely to require C-sections, and that their babies are prone to becoming obese children and adults.
The researchers concluded that obese women can lower the risk of complications by maintaining their regular weight, or gaining just a few pounds, during pregnancy. The Institute of Medicine recommends a weight gain of 25-35 pounds for most women, but only 11-20 for those who are overweight.
The study involved 114 women with body-mass indexes of 30 or higher. Half of the participants took part in a weight-management program entailing diet and exercise. The others merely got some nutritional advice from a dietician.
Those in the program gained an average of seven fewer pounds during their pregnancies. Two weeks after their deliveries, they weighed six pounds less than when the study began. The women who were not in the weight-management program were an average of three pounds heavier.
Keeping fit is especially challenging for women because their metabolisms are slower. That means they burn fat at a lower rate. A good deal of discipline is required to adopt a consistent, balanced diet; and engage in regular, daily exercise.
Nutritionists recommend meals that feature predominately vegetables and fruits. Protein and whole grains also are vital. These foods contain the vitamins, minerals, fiber and good fats necessary for fitness and health. To keep the pounds off, a woman must limit her consumption of carbohydrates, which the body stores as fat.
Green, leafy vegetables like spinach actually burn fat. The avocado contains a sugar that slows the release of insulin, too much of which promotes the storage of fat. Also helpful are hot chilies and ginger, which boost metabolism; and caffeine, a proven fat fighter. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon and other fish, also have been shown to aid in reducing fat.
Exercise is the other critical component of weight management. Cardio workouts, so called because they are intense enough to sustain an elevated heart rate for 20 minutes, are the most effective. However, any physical activity is beneficial.
Fitness experts stress that beginners should start slowly, with stretching exercises or daily walks. Other options include jogging, bicycling, swimming, and playing golf or tennis. Among the many types of cardio workouts that don’t require exercise equipment are aerobics, jumping jacks, stair climbing and core-power yoga.
Treadmills, stationary bicycles, elliptical trainers, weight machines, resistance bands and free weights may be purchased and used at home. They also are available at gyms, some of which offer fitness training, yoga and aerobics classes, and other services.
Consistency, persistence and patience are required to maintain a healthy weight. It takes time for an obese person to accomplish fitness goals. The process can be frustrating, as weight loss does not always happen in the parts of the body that a women wants to see shrink. Experts suggest eating home-cooked meals, buying only nutritious food at the grocery store, and avoiding sugar and saturated fats.

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28/Aug/2014

Our hips are comprised of ball and socket joints which means a joint with a round head fits snugly into a cavity, allowing the joint to move more freely. The hips are weight bearing joints and are used all day for standing, walking, running, sitting, and other activities. It should be no surprise that the cartilage (the cushion in between the joints) in our hips wear down quicker than in other joints, mostly due to time, wear and tear, and repetitive motion.

When the cartilage wears down, muscles and tendons can become overused, and the hip pain begins. Hip replacements are becoming common, especially in older patients. In the U.S. alone, there were 332,000 total hip replacements in 2010. Science and medicine have made great strides in hip replacements. What used to be a 9 day hospital stay, 20 years ago, is now a 3-4 day stay. While most replacements occur in those between the ages of 50 and 80, there is no age limit for the surgery.

There are three kinds of hip replacement techniques: cemented, cementless and a hybrid. A total hip replacement requires an artificial hip, or prosthesis, to replace the damaged one. This implant is made with plastic and metal. Orthopedic surgeons use cement to secure the prosthesis into place. Cemented hip replacements are usually reserved for older patients with weaker bones and who do not lead a very active lifestyle.

A cementless hip replacement uses a prosthesis that is porous, and allows the bone that is already there to grow into the microscopic areas. This allows the patient’s own bones to hold the replacement in place. This is usually a better choice for the younger patient who has stronger bones and leads a more active lifestyle. A hybrid replacement is a combination where only a part of the prosthesis is fixed with cement.

These replacements have similar end results, and the new hips can last from 15 to 20 years. Younger patients who move around may find their replacements wear down faster, however, and could be candidates for revision surgery.

Even though cementless hip replacements are usually for those with stronger bones, older patients can be eligible for the surgery. A study in Finland, however, showed that those between the ages of 80-89 have a high early failure rate with this type of surgery. Between 1998 and 2009 there were 4,509 octogenarian patients given a cementless hip replacement. Within one year, a revision was necessary, mostly for women, for more than twice the amount of patients receiving the cementless replacement as opposed to those having a cemented hip replacement. The main cause was a periprosthetic fracture, which is a break around the implant, and is a serious complication.

This study also showed that patient’s with a cementless replacement had a slightly lower 10 year survival rate compared with those that had a cement or hybrid replacement. Time and studies will show if this trend continues.

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24/Aug/2014

This blog is dedicated to the novice and the elite triathlete in Carlsbad and the rest of North County San Diego that run under the beautiful Southern California Sun. Many people do not realize the importance of remaining hydrated when exercising. When your mouth feels like a desert it is obvious that some sort of liquid refreshment is needed. You shouldn’t wait until your tongue is so dry it sticks to the roof of your mouth, however, before replenishing fluids.

There are many factors that influence the amount of water you lose when exercising. The type of clothes we wear, the surrounding temperature, the duration of activity, our body mass, and metabolism all contribute to our personal amount of sweat production. While it’s probably a given that running a 25 mile marathon will produce more sweat than playing a game of backyard football, hydration is still essential.

Sweating is very important as it releases toxins that build up in our systems. It also cools down the body by regulating our temperature. Moving causes the muscles to exert themselves which causes the temperature to rise. We all know of people who do not seem to sweat much (or rather just glisten) and those people are more prone to overheating and not having the endurance as those who easily sweat.

We should replenish the fluids we lose ounce for ounce, which can be difficult to determine. Athletes that train for hours can sweat from 1 to 2.5 liters an hour, and even up to 3 if the training takes place in a hotter environment. That is at the minimum of 4 cups of sweat per hour. This article demonstrates the actual calculations used to determine the amount of sweat needed for least amount of cooling for intense workouts and exercise.

The body can withstand a 2% fluid loss if the temperature is lower. In hot environments, a 2% fluid loss can be a health risk causing dehydration – which can result in headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and cramps at the minimum. Our thirst mechanism, unfortunately, is a bit lazy and does not have the gumption to drink as much as we lose, so sometimes we need to force ourselves to hydrate.

When we sweat, we also lose electrolytes. Electrolytes are, simply put, salt ions. Some ions are negatively charged, while others are positively charged. The body uses these ions to carry electrical impulses around the body. It’s akin to the body being run by rechargeable batteries. When the batteries are drained (sweated out) they need recharged. Drinks such as Gatorade, Powerade, and Allsport contain some added sodium to replenish electrolytes.

It is important to note that drinking too much of just water can actually be harmful to the body when exercising. While drinking water daily is a great habit to start and maintain, those who exercise often, or intensely, can cause an imbalance in the system if they do not need to supplement water with a drink that replenishes the sodium we lose in our sweat. Disclaimer: the water you drink daily for your health does not count towards the water you need to rehydrate when being active.

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23/Aug/2014

At least one time in our sports-watching lifetimes we have seen a player go down hard, wrenching a gut reaction of “Oooh! That’s not good!” from the fans. We wait breathlessly to see if the player can stand on his own or if he needs help from a stretcher. Once the player leaves the field for concussion and broken bone tests, we, the armchair doctors, debate the medical condition, and what it could mean for the team. Each team has their own doctor that determines the extent of the injury, healing time, and when the player can return to the game. Sometimes, a player returns to the field earlier than expected which leads one to wonder if it is safe for him to do so. Unfortunately, with the objective of winning games, if a star player is injured, it affects the team, the owners, and the fans, and it’s imperative to hear a good prognosis for the injured player, as fast as possible. Pressure from outside influences, on professional sports teams, in particular, can lead to a player being released back into the field too early. We have all heard stories of sports doctors threatened with firing if a player isn’t returning quick enough, but is this ethical, fair, or expected? Sports teams hire their own doctors which is beneficial and at the same time potentially harmful. The sports doctor gets to know the players history. He learns over time what each player can handle, and can assess that what might seem like a bad injury to others may only be minor and release the player back into the field sooner, rather than later. The drawbacks to having a more personal relationship are pressures from the player, himself, on the doctor, insisting he is “fine” or well enough to go back in. Allowing this could cause even worse injury down the road. Pressures from the coach and the owners on the doctor may also allow a player to be hurt in the long run. An alternative to having a personal doctor for the team would be for the leagues to hire a doctor for them. He would be a neutral, non-partisan employee. This doctor would be on the league medical staff, rather than a personal team doctor. This doctor would not be required to report to the coach or owners, but to higher up medical personnel in the league itself. With appointing league doctors, however, it could prove difficult to have one medical standard for all to follow. Will the doctors rotate teams to avoid partiality? If Doctor A thinks Player 1 can go back to the field, but Doctor B does not, who is right? Will a third doctor need to weigh in? Will the players have any say in their recovery? Both scenarios have positive benefits and negative aspects that need addressed. The only thing that should matter is the health and safety of all the team members. I don’t advocate for or against the present day situation. My goal is to shed light on a potential situation that may present with perceived conflict of interest.

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23/Aug/2014

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) have always been considered inpatient surgical procedures. Questions have been asked whether, due to recent advances such as minimally invasive techniques and improved operative anaesthesia protocols, these surgeries can be successfully performed on an outpatient basis.

A study was presented to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery which focused on the feasibility of outpatient Total Knee Arthroplasty and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) surgery. It was agreed that only certain patients would be suitable for this surgery and that only those who met the criteria be considered for same-day discharge.

However, even if a patient was considered to be an ideal candidate for surgery on an outpatient basis, there is still a danger of complications which could require readmission to hospital.

What sort of criteria would a patient have to meet?

Orthopedic assessment. This will include the physical history and the reason for the surgical intervention. Patients might have to be motivated for Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) outpatient treatment, and the home situation would also need to be evaluated.
Preoperative medical clearance. A thorough medical clearance reduces post-operative risks and visits to the ER. In addition the medical team selected has to be a team which is absolutely familiar with outpatient procedures.
Preoperative patient education. Information about what to expect during the procedure, how to manage pain and move about after the operation helps to reduce fear and anxiety.
The patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature need to be stable before being considered for home discharge.

This study also demonstrates that for selected patients who meet all the criteria, outpatient Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and UKA is safe with very few short-term complications or hospital readmissions.

Are there still concerns about outpatient TKA and UKA?

Although new protocols have been designed for outpatient knee surgery, concerns still exist for potential complications. A different study concluded that people who had outpatient surgery often returned to the ER for pain related issues, most without readmission to hospital being necessary. Unfortunately though, a small number of these cases suffered complications which required readmission to hospital.

It was also noted that patients who spent one or two nights in hospital had more or less the same readmission rates as those who had same day procedures.

No recommendations either way for outpatient TKA and UKA.

Outpatient surgery does have cost saving potential, but the possibility of readmission to hospital or the ER could quickly negate this.

There is actually no guarantee that even the most suitable of selected patients, who meet every single criteria perfectly, will have a complication-free outpatient surgical procedure.

The study included the fact that the smallest error on the part of the team performing an outpatient TKA or UKA operation could result in the patient having to spend at least one night in hospital.

At this stage it would be fair to conclude that the jury is still out concerning the feasibility and success of outpatient TKA and UKA. A big part of the decision whether to undergo the procedure depends on the eligibility of the patient, and the advice of the surgeon concerned.

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18/Aug/2014

Carlsbad, Platelet Rich Plasma and Rotator Cuff Tears. According to researchers, the injection of platelet rich plasma could be an effective treatment for rotator cuff injuries and rotator cuff tears. However, scientific studies to date have not been able to corroborate this theory.

The shoulder’s rotator cuff, a cluster of four muscles that function as tendons, enables a person to lift and rotate the arm. The cuff connects the upper arm bone (humerus) to the shoulder blade. A gel-like substance called bursa, which lubricates the tendons, can become inflamed due to injury, overuse or long-term degeneration. Eventually, the tendons may fray and develop partial or complete tears, developing into a full thickness rotator cuff tear.

Doctors typically prescribe medications and physical therapy, and conduct surgery in advanced cases. Now, a recent study seems to indicate a mild effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma as an effective treatment for tears and other injuries to the rotator cuff.

Platelet Rich Plasma is a concentration of a naturally occurring substance drawn from the blood. A doctor rotates it in a centrifuge to separate platelets from red blood cells, then injects it into the damaged joint. The treatments stimulate the body’s growth and healing abilities, allowing tissues to mend and inflammation to subside. In one study, Platelet Rich Plasma shots decreased pain and improved knee function in 73 percent of osteoarthritis patients.

Though Platelet Rich Plasma had previously been used clinically to repair rotator cuffs, few researchers had attempted to document the therapy’s effectiveness. Doctors recently conducted a randomized, double-blind study of 27 patients with rotator cuff tears. The PhDs included Eduardo Angeli Malavolta and his colleagues.

All the patients underwent arthroscopic surgery. Some of them also received Platelet Rich Plasma injections, while the others served in a control group. Both groups of patients reportedly experienced “significant” improvements. The patients had less pain and greater flexibility in their shoulders.

The University of California at Los Angeles assessed the study’s results, monitoring patients’ pain levels and physical changes for two years. Both groups exhibited gains, with 5 percent average improvement. Members of the control group experienced one complete retear and four partial retears. Only two cases of partial retears occurred in the Platelet Rich Plasma group.

While more research is needed to confirm the efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma therapy for rotator cuff injuries, the study gives hope to patients looking for ways to relieve their discomfort and regain range of motion in the shoulders.

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CLASSIC LIST

Stingers result from collisions and falls

ACL tear a common knee injury for athletes

ACL Tear Types:

Shoulder injury sidelines another athlete

BPA May Damage Women’s Reproductive Systems

Obesity increases pregnancy risks

Cementless hip replacement in octogenarians may fail earlier than non-cementless

Exercise and fluid replacement

Sports doctor hiring practices: positive or negative?

outpatient knee arthroplasty has high readmission rates

Platelet rich plasma might help repair rotator cuffs

How Acupuncture Can Help With Fibromyalgia Pain

ACL Reconstruction Surgery in San Diego

Fibromyalgia and Chiropractic

Physical Therapy and Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia – More than Just Aches and Pains

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