Orthopedic & Sports injuries can be scary if you are indicated for an Orthopedic Surgery. However, there are alternatives to orthopedic surgery that can help prevent you from getting sidelined for weeks, if not months. The alternatives for surgery like platelet-rich plasma, Stem Cell Injections, and Viscosupplementation are a boon for those who are living an active lifestyle like playing a sport, participating in recreational activities, and exercising. The information ahead is definitely of much use for those who are looking for non-surgical treatments for pain management.
As the name suggests, platelet-rich plasma is a technique of regenerative therapy that involves the use of Platelet-derived growth factors, typically found in your blood Plasma. Plasma is a proteinous component of blood that speeds up healing in your body. The technique of Platelet Rich Plasma involves the use of your blood healing factors to speed up healing in your injured part.
To develop PRP, the blood is drawn from a patient. The platelets are separated from the other blood components through the technique of centrifugation. Once a good amount of Platelet-rich PDGF is obtained, they are then injected into the injured site.
PRP can be injected directly into the injured area by using USG-guided techniques to enable healing of the injured part or it can be used to enhance recovery of the injured ligament/tendon from some sports injuries.
- Chronic tendon injuries like chronic tendo-achilles injury, tennis/golfer elbow, TFCC injury, ATFL Injuries
- Acute ligament & muscle injuries
- Knee Arthritis
- Hamstring injuries
- Injuries like Rotator cuff tear, Shoulder impingement, SLAP Tear, etc.
Stem Cell therapy is also a field of regenerative medicine but is different from PRP such that in the former the cells used are undifferentiated, unspecialized, and immature cells that can differentiate into specific cells when stimulated. However, the latter ones are differentiated platelet cells used in the healing of tissues.
They can be derived from embryo, adult, or perinatal stem cells. Stem cells can be Hematopoietic (all types of blood cells), connective tissues, parts of the nervous system, lining of the digestive tract oral epithelium, basal layer of epidermis, base of hair follicles, and liver.
Stem cells have a potential role in the regulatory mechanism of the immune system. MSCs or Mesenchymal Stem Cells work by repairing the wound by supporting blood and lymphangiogenesis. They also act as precursors of endothelial cells, and pericytes and promote angiogenesis. Majorly, they work by immune modulation, and cellular differentiation along with the production of growth factors for neovascularization. They have a promising role in the treatment of degenerative diseases where PRP is not found suitable or not indicated.
Damaged tendons, torn ligaments, damage to bones, muscles/tendons, and cartilage can be treated by Stem Cell Injections. MSCs or Mesenchymal stem cells have the potential of chondrogenesis and reverse the effects of Osteoarthritis.
Viscosupplementation is a non-surgical treatment that uses injecting hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance, into the joint to treat your arthritic pain.
Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like Viscosupplement that lubricates the joint to reduce pain and improve movement by lubricating the joint and it also acts like a shock absorber. It is an alternative to NSAIDs and steroids which sometimes have negative effects on the body.
- Osteoarthritis and subchondral bone lesions
- Sport-related chondropathy of various joints
The need and frequency of viscosupplement injections for your condition are determined by the Orthopedic surgeon. At CSI, we use the best of highly enriched cross-linked Viscosupplement injections at increased concentration to reduce the potential need for multiple injections.
Know more about Non-surgical Pain Management techniques with CSI, by filling out the Inquiry form below or call +91 011 4122 3333 to book an appointment.