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Regenerative Rehabilitative Medicine for Joints and Muscles

  • Regenerative Rehabilitation (CM Terzic, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this paper was to review regenerative medicine treatments for joints and muscles.

Recent Findings

There is level 1 evidence supporting the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Few studies have investigated the efficacy and safety of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), microfragmented fat (MF), and placental and amniotic product (PAP) injections for OA. Preliminary studies have not found a benefit of PRP injections for acute muscle injury. No studies have been performed evaluating the therapeutic effect of BMAC, MF, or PAP injections for muscle injuries.

Summary

Based upon the currently available research, PRP injections for OA provide more significant pain relief and functional improvement than placebo or hyaluronic acid and are more effective in the knee than in the hip. There is insufficient evidence to determine whether BMAC, MF, or PAP injections are safe or efficacious for the treatment of OA or whether any regenerative medicine injection is safe or effective for muscle injuries.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Jonathan T. Finnoff

  2. Regenerative Medicine Program, Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Jonathan T. Finnoff

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Jonathan Finnoff reports being a medical advisory board member for COVR Medical, Sanofi, and Aim Specialty Health, and royalties from Demos Publishing and up-to-date outside the submitted work. Dr. Finnoff is also a member of the AAPM&R board of governors.

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Finnoff, J.T. Regenerative Rehabilitative Medicine for Joints and Muscles. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep 8, 8–16 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40141-019-00254-3

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