Increase in Cross Sectional Area of the Iliolumbar Ligament Using Prolotherapy Agents: An Ultrasonic Case Study

Ann Auburn, DO, Scott Benjamin, PT, DScPT, Roy Bechtel, PT, PhD, & Stacey Matthews. Increase in Cross Sectional Area of the Iliolumbar Ligament using Prolotherapy Agents: An Ultrasonic Case Study. Journal of Prolotherapy. 2009;3:156-162.

In a case history published in the Journal of Prolotherapy. The effectiveness of Prolotherapy for the Iliolumar ligament was examined in a case study.

Below is an introduction, following is the link to the entire article now free access at the Journal of Prolotherapy.

Abstract

Background Content: This case study examined the effects of a single Prolotherapy injection series on the left iliolumbar ligament. The ligament measurements were split between medial and lateral portions of the iliolumbar ligament and we hypothesized that growth would occur increasing the cross sectional area and thus provided added stability to the pelvis and lumbar spine.

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to answer two questions: 1) how do you know that the Prolotherapy injectant actually reaches the ligamentous structure you are attempting to heal; and 2) how long does it take for the ligament to recover?

Study Design: Single case study.

Methods: One subject, 32 year-old female with no history of lower back pain (LBP) participated in our study. Her job tasks as a physical therapist required her to twist turn and bend; putting pressure on her pelvis and ligamentous system. The primary author (A.A.) assessed her pelvic ligaments which lead to using a specified Prolotherapy solution for the left iliolumbar ligament. Ultrasound (US) guided imaging was used to take baseline measurements of the left iliolumbar ligament prior to Prolotherapy. Bi-weekly US measurements were up to six weeks to determine cross-sectional area (CSA) changes within the ligament.

Results: The results indicated that after the initial Prolotherapy treatment, there was growth in the left iliolumbar ligament at both the medial and lateral sites. The CSA increased by 27% for the medial measurement and 21% for the lateral measurement compared to baseline. The left iliolumbar ligament also appeared to change its characteristics and looked more uniform as a result of one Prolotherapy treatment.

Conclusion: Patients that experience lower back pain and or pelvic shifting may benefit from the usage of Prolotherapy to strengthen the ligaments surrounding their pelvis. Our study also brings out the positive effects of using US to capture changes that occur within specific tissue.

Read the entire article at the Journal of Prolotherapy:
Iliolumbar ligament and Prolotherapy


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