Cell based treatments like PRP and Stem
cells are so new that giving patients reasonable and measured
expectations is essential as a professional. Not to mention there are
variables that can make someone a less than ideal candidate that
necessitate grading someone’s chance for success for a cell based
treatment lower. With all that said, there are surprising responses in
some people. And it’s nice to beat expectations.
Trigger finger is a condition where the tendon in a finger that
normally flexes the finger gets caught and “jammed up”. Since this
condition is a tendinopathy, treatment with PRP is an interesting idea.
Trigger finger is typically thought of as a mechanical problem where the
tendon is restricted by a layer of tissue called the A1 Pulley which
normally helps to keep the tendon in place as it contracts. But under
ultrasound the tendon itself in trigger finger patients has mild
irregularities consistent with chronic tendon changes. Interestingly you
don’t find much information in regards to PRP treatment for trigger
finger. But the idea for treatment makes sense, is low risk, and worth a
shot.
2 patients come to mind who had really great and unexpected responses
to PRP treatment of their triggers fingers. One is a horse trainer with
hands that have been beat up over many years of hard work. The other a
research scientist having difficulty with manual dexterity due to his
trigger fingers. Both have tried steroid injections numerous times,
originally helping temporarily, but eventually providing limited to no
benefit. Neither wanted to go for surgery, both were willing to try a
cell based treatment.
The scientist had 2 fingers treated twice 2 years ago with PRP. He
hasn’t complained of pain since then. The horse trainer had 2 fingers
treated 2 months ago. His pain is minimal now, and he’s using both hands
fully again. Both these cases are surprising, since both had trigger
finger symptoms significant enough to warrant surgery. Whether their
great results are due to using a volume of fluid sufficient to help
loosen the A1 pulley, or using PRP helped treat the chronic tendon
irritation, the results speak for themselves. PRP is a low risk
treatment that helps to treat an actual tendon problem rather than
simply mask the pain. Why is this not the first line treatment for all
tendon injuries?
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