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Platelet Rich Plasma is Safe for Intra-Articular and Peri-Articular Cervical and Cervicothoracic Facet Joint Injections in the Horse
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  • Corey Orava,
  • Gregory Dowd,
  • Bonny Henderson,
  • Omar Maher,
  • Suzan Oakley,
  • Christian O. White,
  • Harlan Williams
Corey Orava
Enso Discoveries

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Gregory Dowd
Arlington Equine
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Bonny Henderson
Henderson Equine
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Omar Maher
Atlantic Equine Services
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Suzan Oakley
Oakley Equine Sports Medicine
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Christian O. White
Cornwallis Veterinarians
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Harlan Williams
Equine Sports Medicine of Maryland
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Abstract

Background: No safety study has been conducted regarding PRP usage in cervical facet joints Objectives: To determine whether intra- and/or peri-articular injections of PRP in cervical facet joints in the horse is safe. Study design: Prospective, multi-centre, safety study Methods: PRP was injected via ultrasound guidance into the cervical and/or cervicothoracic facet joints in horses with diagnosed cervical complaints. Data recorded for each case included: breed, sex, age, primary reason for treatment, list of which facet joints were injected, the volume of PRP injected, whether the PRP was injected intra-articular or peri-articular, gauge of needle used. Data was collected at three time points: prior to treatment, 48 hours after treatment and a minimum of 30 days after treatment. At each time point, owners/trainers were asked to assess the level of pain the horse was suffering on a 0-10 (no pain to worst) scale. At the final evaluation the owners/trainers were also asked if the treatment met their expectations on a 0-5 scale. Results: No adverse events were reported. The average pain scores prior to treatment, at 48 hours, and at 30 days were 3.8, 3.4 and 1.1 respectively (see Figure 2). At no point did any horse have an increase in their reported pain level. Main limitations: Since PRP is not classified as a drug it does not come with a label indicating items such as dosage or route of administration. Thus, methodologies will vary amongst veterinarians. Conclusions: PRP appears to be safe for cervical and/or cervicothoracic facet joint injections in the horse. Evidence for efficacy was also recorded by means of owner/trainer reporting that the injections overwhelmingly met their expectations.
28 Aug 2024Submitted to Equine Veterinary Education
29 Aug 2024Submission Checks Completed
29 Aug 2024Assigned to Editor
15 Sep 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned