Ultrasound-Guided Subfascial Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections Versus Enthesis Needling for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is characterized by gluteal enthesopathy involving the peritrochanteric space and associated with chronic pain and functional impairment. A corticosteroid injection in the trochanteric bursa is the usual palliative treatment for pain. However, it is important to investigate treatment options that will relieve pain in the peritrochanteric space. Purpose: To compare the clinical efficacy of subfascial platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection and enthesis needling for GTPS. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 92 patients (90% women; mean age, 55 years old; mean body mass index, 25.3 kg/m2) were randomly divided into a subfascial PRP injection group and an enthesis needling group. Descriptive data and radiographic measurements of the pelvis-including leg-length difference, pelvic width difference, and pelvic trochanteric index-were recorded. The primary outcome measures were the Hip Outcome Score (HOS) activities of daily living (HOS-ADL) and sports-specific (HOS-SS) subscales and the visual analog scale for pain at 3, 6, and 12 months posttreatment. In addition, we evaluated the presence or absence of ultrasound characteristics (fascia nodules, trochanteric bursa distension, and calcium deposits) over time in response to treatment. Results: Baseline demographic and radiological characteristics were similar between the groups. The PRP group saw significantly greater improvement from baseline to 12 months posttreatment on the HOS-SS subscore compared with the needling group (32.09 [95% CI, 28.99-40.20] vs 20.52 [95% CI, 11.99-29.05]; P = .048). At 3 months, 60% of patients in the PRP group versus 33.3% in the needling group had a reduction in pain compared with a baseline of >20% (P = .040). After subfascial PRP injection, fewer patients had a fascia nodule over the trochanter and/or bursa distension (P = .006 and P = .004, respectively). The pelvic trochanteric index was predictive of HOS-ADL and HOS-SS outcomes (P = .011 and P = .022, respectively). The interaction between treatment modality and fascia nodule influenced HOS-ADL and HOS-SS outcomes (P = .021 and P = .023) as well as the interactions of treatment modality, fascia nodules, and calcifications (P = .027). Conclusion: Both subfascial PRP injection and enthesis needling resulted in clinical improvements, but the improvement in the HOS-SS was greater in the PRP group. Registration: NCT04231357 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

MRI in suspected chest wall fractures: diagnostic value in work-related chest blunt trauma.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyze MRI findings in suspected early fractures of the chest (ribs and sternum) and assess if this technique can add value in occupational medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we reviewed 112 consecutive patients with work-related mild closed chest trauma who underwent early thoracic MRI, when there was not a clear fracture on radiograph or when the symptoms were intense and not explained by radiographic findings. MRI was evaluated by two experienced radiologists independently. The number and location of fractures and extraosseous findings were recorded. A multivariate analysis was performed to correlate the fracture characteristics and time to RTW (return-to-work). Interobserver agreement and image quality were assessed. RESULTS: 100 patients (82 men, mean age 46 years, range 22-64 years) were included. MRI revealed thoracic wall injuries in 88%: rib and/or sternal fractures in 86% and muscle contusion in the remaining patients. Most patients had multiple ribs fractured, mostly at the chondrocostal junction (n=38). The interobserver agreement was excellent, with minor discrepancies in the total number of ribs fractured. The mean time to return-to-work was 41 days, with statistically significant correlation with the number of fractures. Time to return-to-work increased in displaced fractures, sternal fractures, extraosseous complications, and with age. CONCLUSION: Early MRI after work-related chest trauma identifies the source of pain in most patients, mainly radiographically occult rib fractures. In some cases, MRI may also provide prognostic information about return-to-work.

Sonographic pathoanatomy of greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

AIMS: To identify and highlight pertinent US features that could serve as imaging biomarkers to describe different patient phenotypes, within Great Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) clinical diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using ultrasound we evaluated eighty-eight clinically diagnosed patients with GTPS, for tendon matrix changes and calcium deposits in the gluteus medius (superoposterior and lateral aspects) and in the gluteus minimus. Peritrochanteric examination included fascia lata, trochanteric bursa, cortical irregularities and the presence of enthesophytes. The association of pathological changes with pain and functionality was evaluated using multivariate regression models. RESULTS: Out of the 88 patients, 86 examinations (97.7%) detected gluteus medius tendinopathy, and 54 patients (61.4%) had gluteus minimus tendinopathy in addition. Calcium deposits were present in 97.7% of patients, associated with tenderness (p = 0.009), and most often located in the gluteus medius rather than in the gluteus minimus (p = 0.014); calcifications were associated with tendon thickness (p = 0.042), hypoechogenicity (p = 0.005) and the presence of partial tears (p = 0.030). Bursa swelling occurred in 36 patients (40.9%); multivariate regression models predicted less pain in patients with bursa distension (p = 0.008) and dysfunction in patients with gluteal muscle atrophy (p = 0.001) and loss of fibrillar pattern in the gluteus medius (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: GTPS involves both degenerative calcifying gluteal tendinopathy and alterations in the peritrochanteric space associated with physical function and pain. The severity of GTPS can be assessed using ultrasound imaging biomarkers.

Platelet-rich plasma versus lidocaine as tenotomy adjuvants in people with elbow epicondylopathy: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) compared to lidocaine as a tenotomy adjuvant for people with elbow tendinopathy. METHODS: Our study was a parallel-group, double-blind, randomized trial involving 71 patients with recalcitrant elbow tendinopathy who received two sessions of ultrasound-guided tenotomy with either PRP or lidocaine in a tertiary public hospital. The primary end point was the percentage of patients with an improvement exceeding 25% reduction in disability (Spanish version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaires-DASH-E) at 6 and 12 months; the secondary outcome was the percentage of patients exceeding 25% reduction in pain (VAS-P). RESULTS: There was no evidence of significant differences in the proportion of patients who experienced clinically relevant improvements. After 6 months, 18 patients (78.59%) in the lidocaine group and 19 patients (73.08%) in the PRP group showed improved function above 25% (unadjusted odds ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90 (0.17 to 4.60)); 21 patients (72.21%) in the lidocaine group versus 22 patients (84.62%) in the PRP group achieved more than 25% pain reduction (unadjusted odds ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.10 to 2.37). After 12 months, 17 patients (70.83%) in the lidocaine group versus 19 patients (76%) in the PRP group had improved function (unadjusted odds ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.13 to 3.84), and 19 patients (76%) in the lidocaine group versus 20 patients (90.91%) in the PRP group had improved pain above 25% (unadjusted odds ratio, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.06 to 2.51). Hypercholesterolemia and baseline vascularization influenced outcomes. There were no differences between groups in the adjusted odds ratios. CONCLUSION: PRP results in similar improvements to those obtained with lidocaine. Selecting patients according to their pretreatment status can improve treatment efficacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01945528 , EudraCT 2013-000478-32. Registered 18 August 2013, enrolment of the first participant 10 March 2014.

Needle tenotomy with PRP versus lidocaine in epicondylopathy: clinical and ultrasonographic outcomes over twenty months.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether pathological changes in elbow epicondylopathy, as assessed by conventional ultrasonography and clinical outcomes, could be modified following tenotomy with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus tenotomy with lidocaine. METHODS: This prospective sub-study was part of a patient- and assessor-blinded, superiority-type, randomized, lidocaine-controlled trial that was performed in a tertiary hospital to assess the effectiveness of PRP versus lidocaine as tenotomy adjuvants in patients with epicondylopathy. Patients were followed after two sessions of tenotomy with either PRP or lidocaine adjuvants (4 ml) within a 2-week interval. Tendon thickness, echotexture, and neovascularization were assessed as secondary outcome measurements at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 20 months after treatment, and correlations with clinical outcomes were examined. RESULTS: Twenty months after treatment, tenotomy induced changes in tendon structure, thickness (± = 0.0006), vascularity (p < 0.0001), and echotexture (p < 0.0001). In Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH-E) and pain (VAS-P) scores, 80.85% and 90.91% of patients showed a meaningful clinical improvement, respectively, without differences between PRP and lidocaine. There were significant differences in between-group changes in vascularity over time, p = 0.037 and p = 0.049 in the unadjusted and adjusted models, respectively. There was no relationship between pain or function and sonographic entities at the various time points. CONCLUSIONS: Two successive needle tenotomies induced structural changes in recalcitrant epicondylopathy, with PRP displaying more vascularization and increased thickness over time compared to lidocaine. PRP compared with lidocaine did not result in improved function or decreased pain over 20 months.

Predictors of Outcome Following Tenotomy in Patients with Recalcitrant Epicondylopathy.

BACKGROUND: Elbow tendinopathies are associated with tenderness, pain, and functional disability with ensuing socioeconomic costs. There is lack of consensus regarding the best treatment for patients recalcitrant to first-line conservative treatments. Percutaneous needle tenotomy is considered a regenerative approach that injures the tendon to elicit a healing response. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether demographic characteristics, clinical factors, baseline sonographic entities, or their interactions are related to the likelihood of responding positively to needle tenotomy over a 1-year follow-up period. DESIGN: Prospective case series. SETTING: Tertiary institutional hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with elbow tendinopathy for whom conservative treatments had failed and who had persistent symptoms lasting for at least 3 months. METHODS: Patients underwent needle tenotomy with or without PRP followed by a lighter needle tenotomy within a 2-week interval as part of treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS-P) scores were assessed before intervention (baseline) and at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after intervention. A generalized linear mixed effects model was created to examine whether injectate type, clinical, demographic, or pretreatment sonographic entities or their interactions influenced clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The authors analyzed 74 elbows (71 patients). At baseline, analyzed patients (mean age: 49.48 years; 51.35% women) scored 43.30 and 5.83 on the DASH and VAS-P, respectively. Pretreatment tendon vascularization was a predictor of pain (P = .011) and DASH score changes (P = .019). The linear mixed effect model revealed that male gender and hypercholesterolemia were associated with enhanced functional recovery, (P = .020 and P < .001, respectively). Moreover, the interactions between pretreatment vascular status (P = .039), echotexture (P = .037) and enthesophytes (P = .028) influenced the temporal pattern of functional recovery after needle tenotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline patient characteristics, such as gender and hypercholesterolemia, along with ultrasound features may be predictive of outcomes following needle tenotomy for elbow tendinopathy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV (NCT01945528).

Percutaneous needling of Morton's complex: a technical note.

BACKGROUND: the Morton's complex, i.e. fibrotic mass enfolding the medial plantar nerve, the bursa and the interdigital transverse ligament in the web space, is a common cause of pain and functional disability. Conservative and operative treatments are investigated but currently the best approach to treat the Morton's complex is unknown. METHODS: we describe a non-invasive, straight forward intervention consisting on multiple percutaneous punctures, shearing the fibrotic tissue in lateromedial and anteroposterior directions. The goal is to break up fibrosis occupying the intermetatarsal space thus releasing the affected nerve from the adjacent structures, there by stimulating tissue remodelling. RESULTS: slow tissue remodelling occurs following sequential fibrosis cleavage through multiple needling. Needling of the intermetatarsal fibrosis is performed every eight weeks until pain resolution. Echographic changes are associated to pain reduction as measured by Visual Analogue Score (VAS). CONCLUSION: we present an original idea that may improve Morton's management. Upcoming prospective clinical studies have to demonstrate the symptomatic benefits and the usefulness of this novel echographic intervention.