Ultrasonography in regenerative injection (prolotherapy) using dextrose, platelet-rich plasma, and other injectants.
Recent advances in ultrasound technology are leading physiatrists to new understandings of pain sources, new treatment options, and the ability to guide soft tissue interventions. This article examines the role of imaging ultrasound in diagnosing soft tissue injury and disease that may respond to regenerative medicine techniques (known as prolotherapy) using injectants such as dextrose, morrhuate sodium, or platelet-rich plasma. The current state of ultrasound evidence for these interventions is reviewed. Case examples assist in understanding clinical applications that currently outpace the evidence base. Development of quantitative ultrasound measures to objectively evaluate soft tissue organization is discussed.
Fullerton
Bradley D
BD
Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, 4900 Mueller Boulevard, Austin, TX 78723, USA. drbdf@aol.com
Reeves
K Dean
KD
D005947:Glucose / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma; D012597:Sclerosing Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012976:Sodium Morrhuate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy; D014463:Ultrasonography
D012597:Sclerosing Solutions; D012976:Sodium Morrhuate; D005947:Glucose