Dr Steven Sampson selected as a principal investigator for FDA Approved multi-center platelet rich plasma tennis elbow study

Dr Steven Sampson was selected as a principal investigator for an FDA approved study for Recover® Kit for Chronic Elbow Tendinosis using platelet rich plasma (PRP). This study includes up to 10 centers across the country and will hopefully pave the way for FDA approval and widespread use. Stay tuned for further info regarding this and other studies Dr Sampson is involved with in 2009.
www.orthohealing.com


http://www.biomet.com/patients/clinical_recruitment_recover.cfm

Dr Steven Sampson publishes new Platelet Rich Plasma article

My PRP review article is now published in the Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. http://www.springerlink.com/content/5708408818n30275/ The online version is available, and the printed version is coming soon. The article includes nearly 50 literature sources and provides a comprehensive overview regarding platelet rich plasma usage in orthopaedics and sports medicine. Also, the review discusses the promising realm of orthobiologics and describes experiences with using platelet rich plasma for cartilage disorders and osteoarthritis.

I have been conducting research on arthritis with encouraging results so far. I am planning on collaborating with other leading physicians and publishing many more articles to advance the field of orthobiologics.

New Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Study on Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Gosens & Sluimer from the Netherlands, just reported on a prospective, double blinded, randomized study comparing PRP to cortisone injections in the treatment of 100 patients with tennis elbow. They used a visual analog pain score (1-10) & a DASH score to measure treatment response by 24 weeks. Both groups demonstrated initial improvement. However, by 24 weeks the cortisone group had a recurrence of pain whereas the PRP group continued to have improved pain scores. 1 and 2 year follow up results will be reported in the future.

This article originated from St. Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, the Netherlands.

Prior research has showed that after 4-6weeks tendons are no longer inflammed, but rather become thickened, scarred, & fibrotic with poor blood supply. Therefore at this point the proper nomenclature is "tendinosis" not tendinitis. With this understanding we try to facilitate healing by increasing blood flow and breaking up scar tissue.

Platelet Rich Plasma Injection for Hip Bursitis

After initially successfully injecting many patients with tendon & ligament problems, we have been expanding use of PRP to numerous regions including greater trochanteric hip bursitis among others.
A "bursa" is a small fluid filled sac that can be found in many areas that reduces friction of gliding tissues. This bursa fills with synovial fluid as a result of mechanical trauma/irritation & causes considerable pain. Specifically there is a bursa that lies on top of the greater trochanter (femur/hip bone). This pain can be debilitating. Often cortisone injections can be successful & provide temporary relief. However overuse of cortisone can cause adverse effects & should be avoided. Therefore PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injections under ultrasound guidance offer an appealing & safe alternative.

Below are case reports from a group in Texas that successfully injected PRP for hip bursitis.
http://www.cosociety.org/resources/200603COSnewsletter.pdf