scholarly journals The 2020 NBA Orthobiologics Consensus Statement

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 232596712110022
Author(s):  
Brian J. Cole ◽  
Ron Gilat ◽  
John DiFiori ◽  
Scott A. Rodeo ◽  
Asheesh Bedi

This 2020 NBA Orthobiologics Consensus Statement provides a concise summary of available literature and practical clinical guidelines for team physicians and players. We recognize that orthobiologic injections are a generally safe treatment modality with a significant potential to reduce pain and expedite early return to play in specific musculoskeletal injuries. The use of orthobiologics in sports medicine to safely reduce time loss and reinjury is of considerable interest, especially as it relates to the potential effect on a professional athlete. While these novel substances have potential to enhance healing and regeneration of injured tissues, there is a lack of robust data to support their regular use at this time. There are no absolutes when considering the implementation of orthobiologics, and unbiased clinical judgment with an emphasis on player safety should always prevail. Current best evidence supports the following:  Key Points  There is support for the use of leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.  There is support for consideration of using leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma for patellar tendinopathy.  The efficacy of using mesenchymal stromal cell injections in the management of joint and soft tissue injuries remains unproven at this time. There are very few data to suggest that current cell therapy treatments lead to any true functional tissue regeneration. Meticulous and sterile preparation guidelines must be followed to minimize the risk for infection and adverse events if these treatments are pursued. Given the high variability in orthobiologic formulations, team physicians must stay up-to-date with the most recent peer-reviewed literature and orthobiologic preparation protocols for specific injuries. Evidence-based treatment algorithms are necessary to identify the optimal orthobiologic formulations for specific tissues and injuries in athletes. Changes in the regulatory environment and improved standardization are required given the exponential increase in utilization as novel techniques and substances are introduced into clinical practice.

Author(s):  
Nicola Maffulli ◽  
Angelo Del Buono

Muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries are common practice in sports medicine. Muscle injuries do not require surgery but heal with traditional conservative measures, whereas surgery may be indicated in chronic high-demand patients who need to early return to preinjury activity. Ligament injuries are responsive to conservative management but, when resulting clinical instability impairs daily and sport activities, surgical repair or reconstruction are recommended. Tendinopathy is an overuse syndrome, the diagnosis of which is clinical, and confirmed by the presence of degenerative changes at histology, without any signs of inflammatory disease. The current trend is to adopt a conservative approach which also includes platelet-rich plasma and sclerosing injections, and to advocate surgery in unresponsive patients. Even though regenerative therapies are emerging, available knowledge is still scanty and literature lacks level I studies to support their use.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Crescibene ◽  
Marcello Napolitano ◽  
Raffaella Sbano ◽  
Enrico Costabile ◽  
Hesham Almolla

Achilles tendinopathy and patellar tendinopathy are among the most frequent diagnoses in sports medicine. Therapeutic treatment of the disease is difficult, particularly in chronic cases. In literature, several studies suggest the employment of Platelet-Rich Plasma as a therapeutic alternative in tendinopathies. The choice of employing this method is based on the activity of growth factors contained in platelets which activate, amplify, and optimize the healing process. We selected 14 patients affected by Achilles tendinopathy and 7 patients affected by patellar tendinopathy, with a two-year final follow-up. These patients underwent a cycle of three tendinous infiltrations, after clinical and instrumental evaluation carried out by means of specific questionnaires and repeated ultrasound scans. Ultrasound scans of 18 patients showed signs of reduction in insertional irregularities. The result is confirmed by complete functional recovery of the patients, with painful symptomatology disappearing. The patients showed a clear pain reduction, along with an enhanced VISA score after the 24-month follow-up, equal to 84.2 points on a scale of 0 to 100. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence to suggest that PRP infiltration is a valid option to patients with chronic tendinopathy who did not benefit from other treatments.


2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian J. Cole ◽  
Shane T. Seroyer ◽  
Giuseppe Filardo ◽  
Sarvottam Bajaj ◽  
Lisa A. Fortier

Context: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may affect soft tissue healing via growth factors released after platelet degranulation. Because of this potential benefit, clinicians have begun to inject PRP for the treatment of tendon, ligament, muscle, and cartilage injuries and early osteoarthritis. Evidence Acquisition: A PubMed search was performed for studies relating to PRP, growth factors, and soft tissue injuries from 1990 to 2010. Relevant references from these studies were also retrieved. Results: Soft tissue injury is a major source of disability that may often be complicated by prolonged and incomplete recovery. Numerous growth factors may potentiate the healing and regeneration of tendons and ligaments. The potential benefits of biologically enhanced healing processes have led to a recent interest in the use of PRP in orthopaedic sports medicine. There has been widespread anecdotal use of PRP for muscle strains, tendinopathy, and ligament injuries and as a surgical adjuvant to rotator cuff repair, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and meniscal or labral repairs. Although the fascination with this emerging technology has led to a dramatic increase in its use, scientific data supporting this use are still in their infancy. Conclusions: The literature is replete with studies on the basic science of growth factors and their relation to the maintenance, proliferation, and regeneration of various tissues and tissue-derived cells. Despite the promising results of several animal studies, well-controlled human studies are lacking.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596712098207
Author(s):  
Sachin Allahabadi ◽  
Favian Su ◽  
Drew A. Lansdown

Background: Athletes in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and National Basketball Association (NBA) are subject to high injury rates given the physical demands of the sport. Comprehensive data regarding injury patterns and rates in these athletes are limited. Purpose: To summarize available data on orthopaedic and sports medicine–related injuries through 2020 in professional female and male basketball players. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A search was conducted using PubMed and Embase through April 5, 2020, to identify injury studies regarding WNBA and NBA players. Studies were included if the injury or surgery was considered a direct consequence of game play including musculoskeletal/orthopaedic, concussion, ophthalmologic, and craniomaxillofacial injuries. Systematic reviews, screening studies, or studies without sufficient WNBA or NBA player subgroup analysis were excluded. Results: A total of 49 studies met inclusion criteria, 43 (87.8%) of which detailed musculoskeletal injuries. The lower extremity represented 63.3% of studies. A majority (59.2%) of studies were level 4 evidence. The source of data was primarily comprehensive online search (n = 33; 67.3%), followed by official databases (n = 11; 22.4%). Only 3 studies concerned WNBA athletes compared with 47 that concerned NBA athletes. The lowest return-to-play rates were cited for Achilles tendon repairs (61.0%-79.5%). Variability in return-to-play rates existed among studies even with similar seasons studied. Conclusion: The majority of literature available on orthopaedic and sports medicine–related injuries of NBA and WNBA athletes is on the lower extremity. The injuries that had the greatest effect on return to play and performance were Achilles tendon ruptures and knee cartilage injuries treated using microfracture. The reported outcomes are limited by heterogeneity and overlapping injury studies. There are limited available data on WNBA injuries specifically.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (12) ◽  
pp. 2827-2835
Author(s):  
Ranita H.K. Manocha ◽  
James A. Johnson ◽  
Graham J.W. King

Background: Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries are common after elbow trauma and in overhead throwing athletes. A hinged elbow orthosis (HEO) is often used to protect the elbow from valgus stress early after injury and during early return to play. However, there is minimal evidence regarding the efficacy of these orthoses in controlling instability and their influence on long-term clinical outcomes. Purpose: (1) To quantify the effect of an HEO on elbow stability after simulated MCL injury. (2) To determine whether arm position, forearm rotation, and muscle activation influence the effectiveness of an HEO. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Seven cadaveric upper extremity specimens were tested in a custom simulator that enabled elbow motion via computer-controlled actuators and motors attached to relevant tendons. Specimens were examined in 2 arm positions (dependent, valgus) and 2 forearm positions (pronation, supination) during passive and simulated active elbow flexion while unbraced and then while braced with an HEO. Testing was performed in intact elbows and repeated after simulated MCL injury. An electromagnetic tracking device measured valgus angulation as an indicator of elbow stability. Results: When the arm was dependent, the HEO increased valgus angle with the forearm in pronation (+1.0°± 0.2°, P = .003) and supination (+1.5°± 0.0°, P = .006) during active motion. It had no significant effect on elbow stability during passive motion. In the valgus position, the HEO had no effect on elbow stability during passive or active motion in pronation and supination. With the arm in the valgus position with the HEO, muscle activation reduced instability during pronation (–10.3°± 2.5°, P = .006) but not supination ( P = .61). Conclusion: In this in vitro study, this HEO did not enhance mechanical stability when the arm was in the valgus and dependent positions after MCL injury. Clinical Relevance: After MCL injury, an HEO likely does not provide mechanical elbow stability during rehabilitative exercises or when the elbow is subjected to valgus stress such as occurs during throwing.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (7_suppl4) ◽  
pp. 2325967118S0012
Author(s):  
Scott Thomas Watson ◽  
Amy Trammell ◽  
Stephanie Tanner ◽  
Rebecca Snider ◽  
Steven Martin ◽  
...  

Objectives: There is a general consensus that Jones fractures should be treated operatively with an intramedullary screw in high-level athletes. However, there is disagreement among team physicians, without conclusive evidence as to when the athlete should be allowed to return to play. The objective of this study is to report our experience of early return to sport in collegiate athletes after intramedullary screw fixation of Jones Fractures. Methods: All skeletally mature collegiate athletes with a true Jones fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal that was treated by one of two orthopaedic surgeons with operative intramedullary screw fixation over a 23 year period (1994-2016) were identified and records reviewed retrospectively. All return to play and complication data was obtained from the athletic trainer database at the two universities. Fixation consisted of a single intramedullary screw (10 partially threaded cannulated screws, 13 cannulated variable pitch screws, 3 solid screws). The athletes were allowed to weight bear as tolerated in a CAM boot immediately postoperatively, and return to play with a carbon fiber insert as soon as they could tolerate activity. In 2016, patients were contacted to complete patient reported outcome scores that included the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) score and a brief survey specific to our study, as well as follow-up radiographs if possible. Results: 26 Jones Fractures were treated in 25 collegiate athletes. The average age was 20 years (18-23). Overall, athletes returned to play or training at an average of 3.5 weeks (1.5-6). All in-season athletes returned to play within 4.5 weeks (1.5-4.5). Off-season athletes returned to play within 4-6 weeks. There were no cases of nonunion (clinically or radiographically). Three screws were removed due to symptomatic skin irritation. There was one re-fracture following screw removal after documented radiographic and clinical fracture union. This patient was treated with repeat cannulated percutaneous screw fixation. The athlete returned to play in 2 weeks. One screw was noted to be broken on an ankle radiograph 1 year post-op, but the fracture was healed and the athlete was playing division 1 sports without symptoms, and continued professionally without symptoms. 18/25 athletes completed patient reported outcome scores at an average of 7.95 years (range 1.2-17) follow-up. The average estimated percent of normal for activities of daily living was 93.8% (70-100%, and for athletic participation was 90.3% (40-100%). Follow up radiographs were obtained on 13/26 fractures at an average of 6.48 years (range 1.2-16) with no nonunion, malunion, or additional hardware complications identified. Conclusion: Athletes with Jones fractures can safely be allowed to return to play after intramedullary screw fixation as soon as their symptoms allow without significant complications. In our experience, this is usually within 4 weeks from injury.


2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 314-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis G. O'Connor ◽  
Douglas J. Casa ◽  
Michael F. Bergeron ◽  
Robert Carter ◽  
Patricia Deuster ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (7_suppl4) ◽  
pp. 2325967118S0008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Douglas McQueen ◽  
Christopher L. Camp ◽  
Aakash Chauhan ◽  
Brandon J. Erickson ◽  
Hollis G. Potter ◽  
...  

Objectives: In the setting of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury, surgical reconstruction of the UCL is not always selected, as it leads to a prolonged recovery time and return to play rates between 67-95%. To date, there is limited data on outcomes following nonoperative treatment in this population. Orthobiologics, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), have recently been used as an adjunct therapy for standard nonoperative treatment including rest and physical therapy for UCL injuries. The objective of this study was to determine if the addition of PRP injections in professional baseball players with UCL injuries reduces recovery time, lowers the likelihood of surgery, and increases the return to play rate compared to traditional nonoperative treatment. Methods: The Health and Injury Tracking System (HITS) database was searched from 2011-2015 for Major and Minor league baseball players with Grade I, II or III UCL injuries. Standard demographic, injury, and return to play data was obtained for all players. MRI’s for 353 athletes were reviewed by a musculoskeletal radiologist and graded accordingly. Outcomes were compared between players who received PRP injections in addition to traditional nonoperative treatment (PRP group) and players who received traditional nonoperative treatment alone (No PRP group). Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s T-test and Chi-square for parametric data. Kaplan Meier’s analysis was used for estimating longevity of the treatment. Results: A total of 544 Major and Minor League Baseball players with UCL tears underwent an initial course of nonoperative treatment (active rest & rehabilitation) for their injury between 2011-2015. Of these, 133 underwent PRP injections plus rehab and 411 underwent rehab alone. There was a significantly higher proportion of Major League Baseball players in the PRP group compared to the No PRP group (25.6% vs 9.0%, P<0.001). There was no difference between the two cohorts in regard to the grade of UCL tear (Figure 1). The players in the PRP group had a significantly longer time before returning to a throwing program compared to the No PRP group (64 days vs 51 days, P<0.001). The mean time from injury date to PRP injection was 14.5 days, which may explain the difference in time to return to throwing. The return to play rate in a live game without surgery was significantly lower in the PRP group compared to the No PRP group (46% vs 57%, P=0.03). There was no difference in the proportion of athletes requiring UCL reconstruction (58% vs 51%) or the time to surgery (154 days vs 178 days) between the two groups. Kaplan Meier survivor analysis showed no difference between the PRP and No PRP groups with regard to longevity of the native UCL (Figure 2). Conclusion: Among Major and Minor League Baseball players who were treated nonoperatively for a UCL injury between 2011-2015, 24% underwent PRP injections prior to rehab. Compared to traditional nonoperative rehab alone program, players who received PRP injections experienced a significantly longer time before returning to throwing, which may be in part due to the delay between the injury date and PRP injection. PRP injections did not appear to have a significant effect on the likelihood of surgical intervention.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hajer Graiet ◽  
Anna Lokchine ◽  
Pauline Francois ◽  
Melanie Velier ◽  
Fanny Grimaud ◽  
...  

Background/aimsPlatelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are used in sports medicine and have been the subject of increased clinical interest. However, there have been very few reports of the composition of initial whole blood and the final PRP product. The objective of this study was to provide technical tools to perform a correct characterisation of platelets, leucocytes and red blood cells (RBCs) from whole blood and PRP.MethodsBlood and PRP were obtained from 26 healthy volunteers and prepared according to the varying parameters encountered within PRP process preparation and quantification (harvesting method, anticoagulant used, sampling method, counting method). Concentrations were measured at t=0, t=1, t=6 and t=24 hours.ResultsSampling of blood in Eppendorf tubes significantly decreased platelet concentration over time, whereas sampling in Microvette EDTA-coated tube kept platelet concentration stable until 24 hours. A non-significant difference was observed in platelet counts in PRP with impedance (median (IQR): 521.8 G/L (505.3–524.7)) and fluorescence (591.5 G/L (581.5–595.8)) methods. Other studied parameters did not influence platelet concentrations in blood or PRP samples. Leucocytes and RBC counts were similar whatever the anticoagulant, sampling, harvesting and counting methods used for both blood and PRP samples.ConclusionsSystematic sampling of blood and PRP in EDTA-coated tubes for quality control is recommended. The use of a validated counter for PRP sample should also be taken into account.


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