PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection?

They did not work long term on my knee. At the last appointment they told me I may have to redo every few months. I opted for a knee replacement.

Thanks for your share.
Steroids and PRP effectively address specific issues - not all of them.

I was not a fan of any injections (except prp) but is was a revelation when I had the surgeon have me get an injection to a bursa. I always complained about a leg length discrepancy to my OrthoPod (non-surgical orthopedist) and it disappeared! I subsequently developed a more problematic issue. When the issue resolved it brought out a defect that was worse: Calcific tendinitis in the hamstrings. Forward flash: I am here recovering from that surgery.

I don't know if you ever watched the movie, "The Money Pit" with Tom Hanks. I am reminded of that. Once you fix something, another thing shows up and so it goes. However, when we look at our life journey, I would think that if we can journal and map out our life experiences (and injuries) we can create an image of our physical problems and maybe better coordinate addressing them!

Keep moving, stay positive and have a speedy recovery!

Thanks for sharing this Ann - a lot of useful info and a very positive outlook on how we can grow as we age. Great stuff!

Can you tell me more about "calcific tendinitis in the hamstrings"? What were your symptoms and how did surgery correct the condition?

I ask because I am bothered, on and off and rarely, by cramping in my hamstrings, mostly on the left. I had a lumbar MRI, and I'll just say it's a mess. Scoliosis, stenosis, listhesis, advanced degenerative arthritis - and the Drs think that in certain movements of my legs, nerves are impinged briefly causing the cramping.

I've had sciatica twice with severe pain in the hamstrings. I'm very fit now, 69 y/o, and maintain a strong core - about the only thing keeping me from spinal fusion.

I'm not at all sure if this is related to the condition you mention, but I am curious.

Thanks Ann! Joe

Good morning Joe.
I do not think that what I had is directly connected to what you described.

I will defer to the professionals who are best qualified to give you clarity. However, I would like to clarify what you shared. First, I will tell you what I had done.
At some time I tore my hamstring. I may or may not have been aware of it. I let life go merrily along. Subsequently, I had a few other injuries that added insult to the injury. I am a cyclist and at some point it was not getting better. I went to my orthopod (non-surgical orthopedist). I had MRI find a 1st degree tear. No big deal from a treatment standpoint except I had calcifications build up where it should not happen and the tear did not "heal". After the conservative route (and spending a good bit of $$$ on bikes and bike fits), it was time to get a referral to an orthopedic surgeon. Surprisingly, first course of action was steroid injection into a bursa. It actually did wonders but it also may have been diagnostic. The issue I had was more evident. It was like sitting on a sharp object. Today I am six weeks out from that surgery.

Let's talk about what you brought up: "I ask because I am bothered, on and off and rarely, by cramping in my hamstrings, mostly on the left. I had a lumbar MRI, and I'll just say it's a mess. Scoliosis, stenosis, listhesis, advanced degenerative arthritis - and the Drs think that in certain movements of my legs, nerves are impinged briefly causing the cramping."
It is no more a mess than what we humans face as we age. I would, again, defer to the doctors with a caveat. Next time you go to a provider, make sure you ask the most burning question about your MRI. I will say that at least one of those terms (listhesis) may describe what you are specifically describing as a symptom.

Let's talk about that term...
What is spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is a condition involving spine instability, which means the vertebrae move more than they should. A vertebra slips out of place onto the vertebra below. It may put pressure on a nerve, which could cause lower back pain or leg pain.

The word spondylolisthesis (pronounced spohn-di-low-less-THEE-sis) comes from the Greek words spondylos, which means "spine" or "vertebra," and listhesis, which means "slipping, sliding or movement."
Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10302-spondylolisthesis

So, if you break down the term, you may better understand what is meant by listhesis". They are all related.
Take MRI reports with a grain of salt. Get clarification from your doctor.

I will close with this: Having a strong core is great- but you can also have too strong a core (imbalanced perhaps). My believe, as a yoga person, is that in order to strengthen, you need to stretch (whatever that means to the individual). Find the balance and keep working towards better! I also like getting into the pool it is great to offload the body/spine.

Best!
Ann Marie

Hi All- I'm wondering if any of you have hypermobility (Ehlers-Danlos or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder), and if so how was your experience with PRP? Did you require multiple treatments? How was the pain during and after injection?

I'm looking into this because my doctor told me she's had hypermobility patients who have had positive experiences with PRP. And as you know, it's expensive...and may require repeat treatments.

I have osteoarthritis in my hip related to hip dysplasia and also chronic knee pain. Ortho is recommending a steroid injection for my hip (because, of course, they always recommend that), but I'm uncomfortable with the general risks and there are additional risks because I'm hypermobile.

With PRP, there seems to be less risk, but there's the cost and the chance it doesn't work. But I'm sort of more comfortable with that than I am of the risk of making my situation worse with the steroid injection. Any insights welcome. Thank you!

My daughter has subluxation in her joints- hyspermobility causes them to shift. She had two surgeries at age 10 to tighten knee then ankle, spent some time in a wrist splint, has had shoulder and SI joint issues especially SI. She has autoimmune disorders: type 1 diabetes, celiac, lupus.

The ONLY thing that has helped her in the last 20 years is PRP. She did one PRP on SI joint after 10 years of PT that had no effect or even harmed. Then another PRP on a knee. Both have lasted 10 years+. Often there is leftover so more than one joint can be treated. She had relief in 24 hours.

Of course, she is clearly a responder. But PRP does tighten loose, moving joints. Best $1000 I ever spent.

THANK YOU so much for sharing that! You’re right and everyone is individual and the response may be different, but sometimes it’s just nice to hear a success story in someone with similar challenges. I’m so glad your daughter found some relief.

One thing that’s been hard for me has been trying to understand the risks of things like a steroid injection specific to me/us as people in hypermobile bodies. And it’s really annoying to get a blank stare from make orthopedic surgeons. Or be looked at like I’m into “pseudo-science” asking about PRP or prolotherapy.

Rates in my area seem to be around $900-1000, so comparable (I’m in the Chicago area).

Do you remember if your daughter had a lot of pain after the injections?

Thanks again!

No pain afterwards. The PRP itself is painful and she was told that was a good sign for accuracy. @emo She has type 1 diabetes and so steroids of any kind are problematic. I myself have had lidocaine instead of steroids but not that effective for me.

PRP was originally suggested at Spaulding Rehab, which is part of the Mass. General system. The doctor who does it is also part of Spaulding and is devoted to research to prove efficacy and get insurance coverage. Surgeons are sometimes dismissive but after all, PRP is an alternative to surgery. are limited by protocols. My own mainstream orthopedist is in the process of learning to do PRP.

I’ve received several injections for back and shoulders. I swear by them!!

Thanks for sharing! Did you need a series of injections per joint, or just one? And how was your pain after the injection?