1. Platelet-rich plasma for thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis in a professional pianist: case-based review
- Author
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Sofia Sanz-De Diego, Marcelo Reyes-Eldblom, Raquel Cantero-Téllez, Pablo Martin-Garcia, and Ivan Medina-Porqueres
- Subjects
Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Activities of daily living ,Visual analogue scale ,Immunology ,Osteoarthritis ,Pinch Strength ,Thumb ,law.invention ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Rheumatology ,Randomized controlled trial ,law ,Internal medicine ,Carpometacarpal joint ,Activities of Daily Living ,medicine ,Immunology and Allergy ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,030203 arthritis & rheumatology ,business.industry ,Platelet-Rich Plasma ,Carpometacarpal Joints ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Treatment Outcome ,Patient Satisfaction ,Physical therapy ,business - Abstract
Thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis (TCMC-OA) is a progressively disabling, debilitating condition presenting with thumb base pain and hand functional impairment. Platelet-rich plasma has been used widely for the management of musculoskeletal pathologies, OA being among them. To our knowledge, only a few cases have been previously reported on this topic until now. A 59-year-old male professional pianist presented with chronic, mild onset of right thumb base pain involving a progressive lack of pinch strength in his right hand, and severe difficulties with playing. Three PRP injections were administered to the TCMC joint on a 1-week interval regime. Clinical outcomes were assessed by using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, grip and pinch strength, and the Quick-DASH Questionnaire. Functional outcome was excellent according to patient’s capability with daily living activities and specific playing demands. At 12 months follow-up, no recurrences or complications were identified, with the musician returning to his previous level of performance 2 weeks before the end of this period. Patient self-reported satisfaction was high and he reported to return to his routine piano activity with no limitations. This case-based review study documents the clinical efficacy of PRP treatment from both functional and perceived-pain perspectives in a professional pianist. Presenting this case, our aim is to draw attention of healthcare providers dealing with TCMC-OA to PRP as a safe, beneficial therapy for this condition which needs further assessment in randomized controlled trials.
- Published
- 2019