Platelet-rich plasma or PRP is probably the most popular orthobiologic treatment nowadays. Advocates of PRP claim that it can heal and promote healing of various orthopedic conditions. None of these claims are, however, backed by good clinical evidence. Some studies show that PRP is almost a miracle drug, but these studies often have major methodological […]
Tag: placebo
Shamanism and orthopaedics
Yes, we orthopedic surgeons are shamans or spiritual healers. And I don’t mean the magic of surgery. There is nothing magical about the majority of our operations. We are shamans because we trick ourselves and our patients with the same principles as shamans and spiritual leaders of the past. Firstly, Stuart Green wrote an excellent […]
Why double placebo studies are so common in orthopaedics?
The title is slightly provocative, but I will explain it. On of the leading orthopaedic journals, Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery Am, referenced a study published in another leading orthopaedic journal under a Evidence-based orthopaedics section. This is somewhat controversial. The study, JBJS referenced, was published in September in the American Journal of Sports […]
When you thought you had seen it all… Part 2
Sham-surgery or surgical placebo is increasingly used in orthopaedic randomized controlled trials. Most notable studies include comparison between sham-surgery and arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in knee and arthoscopic subacromial decompression in shoulder. These studies have truly challenged the traditional treatment guidelines in degenerative knee and shoulder conditions. I have previously posted about population level changes in […]