PRP (platelet rich plasma) for Biceps Tendon Tear

For a long time in orthopedics we assumed that tendon pain was from inflammation of the tendon, and cortisone is an anti-inflammatory medication. However, recent studies show that most of the time tendon pain is from microscopic tears in the tendon and not inflammation. Regenerative or biologic injections (i.e. platelet rich plasma, PRP and stem cells) can help these small tears in the tendon heal. When a MRI is normal, it does not mean that the tendon is normal. In many cases the MRI will miss a partial biceps tendon, as was the case in this patient.