Injection Therapies available for many orthopedic injuries and conditions today are reducing the need for more invasive surgical procedures. These conservative treatments are expanding the scope of less invasive options available for such common hand and upper extremity injuries and conditions as tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, as well as muscle sprains / tears and tendon or ligament damage.
Two of the newest Injection Therapies include:
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Therapy
- XIAFLEX® Injection Therapy
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Therapy
Though relatively new in orthopedic medicine, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Therapy was developed over 20 years ago to accelerate wound healing following such procedures as open heart surgery. Today, the benefits of PRP are recognized in the treatment and accelerated healing of many different hand and upper extremity injuries and conditions prevalent in our society.
PRP is a uniquely blended combination of blood plasma, platelets with concentrated bioactive proteins, and growth factors. Together they initiate tissue healing – prompting the body’s stem cells to repair the affected area and accelerate tissue regeneration.
PRP promotes connective tissue healing in bone and articular cartilage regeneration and repair. It also promotes the development of new blood vessels.
A hand and upper extremity specialist trained in PRP Injection Therapy delivers the treatment directly to the affected area. The precision of the injection into the damaged joint, bone, ligament, tendon or muscle is key for optimal results.
XIAFLEX® Injection Therapy
XIAFLEX is a new injection therapy developed to address Dupuytren’s Contracture associated with Dupuytren’s Disease. Among the first nonsurgical FDA-approved treatment for Dupuytren’s Disease, XIAFLEX is injected into the affected area by a hand and upper extremity specialist trained on the system.
Containing a mixture of proteins, XIAFLEX is injected into the thickening cords which begin to pull the fingers inward. It breaks down the collagen in the cord, relieving the inward pull and restoring function to the hand.