Ultrasound-guided PRP injections highly beneficial in lower extremity injuries

According to a new study, Ultrasound-guided PRP injections highly beneficial in lower extremity injuries. The study published in the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science has reported that ultrasound-guided PRP injections may play a vital role in the treatment of various lower extremity injuries in people who are more prone to them like dancers.

The study was conducted in dancers who are more prone to injuries of lower extremities and need to recuperate fast as well. During their performance, a tremendous stress is exerted on lower extremities which may cause repeated injuries hindering their performance.

Nidhi Jain and associates conducted a study to evaluate clinical improvement in a population of elite dancers following treatment with ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections of various lower extremity sites by assessing when they were able to return to dance.

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The investigators analyzed nineteen dancers (13 female, 6 male; ages 15 to 42) who were treated between 2009 and 2016 at sites that included: hamstring tendon (1), proximal iliotibial band (1), patellar tendon (3), posterior tibial tendon (5), peroneus brevis tendon (3), plantar fascia (3), and the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint capsule (3).

A single radiologist administered the injections using the same PRP kit under ultrasound guidance. Standard post-care instructions, including non-weight bearing and avoidance of NSAIDs for at least 2 weeks post-injection was advised to the patients. Clinical charts were reviewed for factors including adherence to post-injection immobilization and physical therapy, physical exam assessments, and milestones in returning to dance. The time-point for returning to dance was defined by the attendance of class or rehearsal without symptoms referring to the treated site.

The investigators found that eighteen subjects achieved a return to dance, 13 in 6 months or less, and the majority (10) within 3 months of injection. Five subjects required more than 6 months of recovery time.

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All the cases involved foot and ankle sites; of these, two subjects required repeat injections, and both returned to dance within 11 months of the second injection. In the single case where PRP treatment failed, the injury treated was severe plantar fasciopathy with a high-grade central cord tear.

The study concluded that ultrasound-guided PRP injections are beneficial in the treatment of various lower extremity injuries in elite dancers, with the majority of subjects in this series returning to dance within 6 months.

However, recovery time may vary depending on the site treated and the severity of the presenting injury.