Spinalogy Blogs

Arun, a passionate runner for the past 15 years, found himself in distress due to persistent heel pain that had plagued him for six long months. Despite trying a multitude of treatments—medication, physiotherapy, rest, acupuncture—none provided him with the relief he desperately sought. The agony of being unable to walk for more than five minutes took a heavy toll on him. Running wasn't merely a pastime; it was an integral part of his identity. An MRI finally revealed the culprit: a partial tear in his Achilles tendon. The news hit Arun like a ton of bricks, leaving him feeling utterly devastated.

In his hunt for solutions, he visited several orthopedic clinics, only to be confronted with the grim recommendation of surgery as the sole option. The very thought of undergoing surgery was a daunting prospect for Arun, a committed 48-year-old marathon runner. However, his determination to sidestep the operating room kept him searching for alternatives.

It was during this quest that he visited Spinalogy Clinic in Pune known for nonsurgical treatments. Under the skilled guidance of Dr. Kiran Shete, Orthopedic Surgeon and Founder Director Spinalogy Clinic, Arun learned about the science behind Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and its potential to heal injuries. This newfound knowledge sparked a flame of hope within him. With renewed vigour, he committed to the treatment and its accompanying recovery plan. Miraculously, three months later, an ultrasound indicated that his tendon had completely healed. Within no time, Arun was back on the track, feeling more energized than ever, training for marathons with enthusiasm. “PRP treatment has been a game-changer for me,” he shares with a radiant smile.

Dr. Kiran Shete, the visionary and expert in integrative medicinal non-surgical treatments, elaborates, “PRP treatments harness growth factors from a patient’s own blood, significantly expediting recovery in tendon injuries and joint conditions.” This innovative method is revolutionizing orthopaedic care, a theme that resonated throughout the recent Pune Office Orthopedics Course (POOC), a national conference held on November 24, 2024, in Pune. The conference drew a remarkable turnout, with over 135 registrations and contributions from 32 distinguished experts in the field. The conference was first of its kind interdisciplinary academic gathering where in Pharmacology professor, Dermatologist, Radiologists, Anaesthetists, Orthopaedic surgeons, Endocrinologists, Rheumatologists, Physiotherapists, Prosthetists, Ergonomic consultants were faculty.

The event unfolded with fervour, showcasing an engaging program filled with thought-provoking lectures, dynamic panel discussions, and interactive sessions that sparked insightful dialogue. The audience—a testament to the enthusiasm and dedication of orthopaedic specialists and practitioners—came together to explore the latest advancements in non-surgical orthopaedic care, particularly in the burgeoning area of “Orthobiologics.”

Orthobiologics encompasses treatments derived from natural biological materials that orthopaedic specialists can leverage to: 

- Alleviate pain and other symptomatic discomforts associated with specific orthopaedic conditions, such as early osteoarthritis, potentially delaying the need for surgical intervention. 

- Enhance the body's ability to recover from repetitive use injuries, including ligament or tendon strains, cartilage damage, or fractures. 

- Facilitate improved recovery following orthopaedic surgeries in certain instances. 

This type of therapy is often categorized under the umbrella of orthopaedic regenerative medicine.

By utilizing the body's innate healing mechanisms alongside biological substances like PRP, Autologous Growth Factor Concentrate (AGFC), Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS), and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC), these therapies aim to provide holistic pain relief for various musculoskeletal conditions, often eliminating the need for surgical solutions. Participants of the POOC could anticipate an in-depth exploration of these advancements, underscoring India's burgeoning leadership in this pioneering sector of medicine.

Dr. Kiran Shete served as Course Director for POOC and said “The conference presented a multifaceted agenda, covering an impressive range of topics from precise radiology to cutting-edge therapeutic practices”. Notable experts such as Dr. Jawahar Jethwa, Dr. Sachin Tapasvi, Dr. Kiran Shete, Dr. George Jacob, and Dr. Salim Patel engaged in lively discussions regarding the practical applications of Orthobilogics, particularly in managing conditions like tendinopathies, knee osteoarthritis, and ligament injuries. Furthermore, critical protocols for treatment selection and preparation methods were highlighted, ensuring that participants could tailor their approaches to meet the unique needs of their patients. Dr Amit Kale, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon,  emphasised, “Understanding individual patient needs and refining treatment choices can significantly enhance outcomes in orthopaedic care.”

Radha, a 38-year-old woman, found herself identifying deeply with Arun’s journey. After grappling with persistent shoulder pain for six months, an ultrasound revealed a tear in her supraspinatus tendon, a condition typically warranting surgical intervention. However, Radha was resolute in her determination to avoid the operating room. Seeking an alternative path, she consulted with Dr. Shete, who recommended PRP therapy.

With optimism guiding her journey, Radha embarked on her treatment, and over the course of three months, she witnessed a remarkable transformation in her shoulder strength and mobility. A follow-up ultrasound confirmed that her tendon had healed, and she overflowed with gratitude, expressing, “PRP therapy has given me my life back.”

Dr. George Jacob from Kochi, Kerala stated, "Orthobiologics have opened a new era of non-surgical treatments for degenerative musculoskeletal conditions. However, there is still a need for more randomized controlled trials focused on Indian populations to develop guidelines that will help practitioners choose the right type of orthobiologic treatment."

In addition to exploring ortho biologics, the Pune Office Orthopedics Course (POOC) 2024 deliberations focussed on various non-surgical strategies to enhance orthopaedic care. Sessions such as “Precise Radiology for Accurate Diagnosis” and “Basics of MRI Film Interpretation” aimed to improve diagnostic skills, which are essential for effective treatment planning. The conference also addressed commonly misunderstood conditions with topics like “Coccydynia – Real Pain in the Tail” and “SI Joint – Most Common Yet Often Overlooked,” which introduced targeted treatments for spinal pain. Dr. Salim Patel Orthopedic Surgeon from Mumbai emphasized, “A thorough diagnosis is key to effective treatment; understanding the nuances of each condition is crucial.” The POOC is committed to fostering positive changes in orthopedic practices throughout India by promoting non-surgical care models. This conference was an educational experience that encouraged practitioners to rethink their approaches to orthopaedic treatments, prioritizing patient comfort and long-term health. With a dedication to integrative practices, POOC aims to establish Pune as a leading hub for orthopedic innovation in India.

For more information about the Pune Office Orthopedics Course visit: https://www.puneofficeortho.com/