|
|
March Newsletter 2017
Greetings from the Research Lab!
We would like to share the latest news
from the field, recent findings from our clinical studies, and stories about
the
people of Napa Medical Research Foundation.
|
|
|
A warm welcome to Dr. Phil Weinstein!
|
|
We are delighted to announce that Dr. Phil Weinstein, renowned neurosurgeon, has joined the NMRF Board of Directors. Professor Emeritus of the Department of Neurological Surgery at UCSF, he is a leader in the field of diagnosis and management of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine conditions and diseases.
Of special importance to the Foundation is Dr. Weinstein's significant research into the molecular biology and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of unique processes that may help to attain functional restoration of blood flow and nerve activity following brain and spine injuries.
Board certified in neurological surgery, Dr. Weinstein has contributed approximately 200 articles to peer-reviewed journals and authored over 60 book chapters during his career.
|
|
|
Recently Published:
Regenerative Medicine for muscle and ligament problems
Together with his colleagues, Sean Colio, MD, Matthew McAuliffe, MD, and Yvette
Uribe, BA, Dr. Marko Bodor contributed an important article to the peer-reviewed
journal, Techniques in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management by Elsevier.
ABSTRACT
Interest in regenerative medicine for treating musculoskeletal pathology has grown tremendously over the past decade. Part of its appeal lies in the ability to use a patient's own cells to potentially heal acute and chronic injuries. In this article, we review the evidence of platelet-rich plasma and bone marrow aspirate concentrate in treating muscle, ligament and fibrocartilage injuries.
HIGHLIGHTS
PRP for muscle injuries
While the safety profile for PRP is appealing, based on the current evidence it is difficult to recommend its use in muscle injuries as a means for faster recovery. This should not be surprising because muscle is highly vascularized and has abundant platelets, in contrast to tendons, ligaments, and intervertebral discs. As such the administration of additional platelets would not appear to be helpful except in the case of infarcted or ischemic tissue.
Technical Considerations
In our 10 years of experience using precise ultrasound guidance to inject PRP, our highest success rates have been in treating injuries that can be visualized on ultrasound, such as intra-substance, partial or small full-thickness tears in ligaments and tendons. We have noted that the configuration of tendons or ligaments makes a difference in outcome. Flat tendons and ligaments with broad attachment areas, such as the common extensor tendon of the forearm and the MCL of the knee, tend to heal better than round tendons with short attachment areas, such as the common flexor tendon of the forearm.
|
|
|
Reaching the Next Level in "Minimally Invasive"
While we really cannot pinpoint its origins, we do understand the field of minimally invasive medicine is ancient. For centuries, it has been the aim of doctors and medical practitioners to minimize any physical damage to the body while trying to diagnose and treat the condition, injury or disease.
What began as bringing light into a body cavity for improved viewing and inspection is now a tiny camera that can navigate with incredible dexterity through tiny passages deep within our organs. Where once a 7 inch incision yielded a lifelong, recognizable line of scar tissue on one's skin, there are barely discernible, centimeter-long marks revealing nothing of the surgery that transpired beneath.
Originally from the Greek lapara and skopein - to see or examine the soft parts of the body between the ribs and hips, laparoscopy remains at the core of minimally invasive surgery - small incisions, small tubes, tiny cameras, miniature surgical instruments. Over the decades, its application has expanded to cover orthopedics, cardiology, organ transplants, neurosurgery, robot-assisted surgery, and more.
As technology helps us to advance towards less and less impact with greater results, we can begin to imagine the next generation of minimally invasive surgeries and techniques.
The Napa Medical Research Foundation considers the ultrasound machine to be at the core of this "next generation" and is supporting the important work of Dr. Marko Bodor in hopes of proving its effectiveness.
Unlike the arthroscopic or endoscopic procedures that require the camera be inserted into the body, the ultrasound machine remains on the outside of the body. Its ability to see within the human body does not require an incision, allowing it to be completely non-invasive while still producing the necessary internal images.
READ FULL ARTICLE
|
|
|
Upcoming Lectures & Conferences
TOBI 2017 Join Thought Leaders at the Industry’s Premiere Orthobiologics Event
TOBI 2017 is our 8th annual gathering of thought-leaders from around the globe to share the latest research and best practices in orthobiologics regenerative medicine. Join us to learn and network with the field leaders.
Speakers & Faculty: Including Dr. Marko Bodor
Learn from visionaries, leaders, and world-renowned biologics experts who will address the hottest topics in Orthobiologics today.
The 2017 symposium returns to world-class WYNN Las Vegas to accommodate the exponential growth of this exciting field and must-attend annual event.
www.prpseminar.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
