Technology - Method For Treating Lateral Epicondylitis Using Collagenase

Method For Treating Lateral Epicondylitis Using Collagenase

Collagenase injection for several syndromes that provides a minimally invasive and simple treatment option

Background:

Carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis and lateral epicondylitis all have existing treatment methods; these methods tend to be invasive and disruptive. Carpal tunnel (a syndrome that causes tingling or numbness in the fingers) is typically treated through conventional or surgical methods. Conventional methods include anti-inflammatory medications, splinting, or corticosteroid injections, while surgical methods include endoscopies or open surgery. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation and fibrosis of collagen tissue beneath the skin on the bottom of the foot; it typically causes heel pain. Current treatments are limited to costly physical therapy, painful and frequent cortisone shots, and surgery that has a possibility of complications (such as nerve damage). Lateral epicondylitis results from the tearing of extensor muscles from the elbow; conventional treatment methods (cortisone shots, physical therapy and bracing) have been proven effective, but are usually prolonged, which makes them costly.

Technology Overview:

This technology describes the discovery that collagenase injections effectively provide purified collagenase to collagenous adhesions of afflicted areas. This provides a method for non-surgical treatment of the mentioned syndromes/inflammations.

Source: Elbow coude, KoS, commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Elbow_coude.JPG, public domain.

Advantages:

- CTS treatment through collagenase injection directed at the transverse carpal ligament; avoids invasive and painful methods - Plantar fasciitis treatment through collagenase injection, which is directed at the damaged collagen tissue. This eliminates painful, costly, and potentially harmful alternatives - A lateral epicondylitis treatment option that's less costly