In recent decades, hypertonic dextrose (usually 12.5% – 25% net concentration) has become the standard among most doctors practicing Prolotherapy because it is much safer than phenol or sodium morrhuate. The exact mechanism of action of hypertonic dextrose prolotherapy is probably multifactorial. Hypertonic dextrose prolotherapy, also known as dextrose prolotherapy, is a regenerative method which uses high concentrations of dextrose. As hypertonic solutions are very painful for about 120 seconds after injection, local anesthetics (LAs) are added. As injecting LAs has a clinical effect as well which goes way beyond their anesthetic activity, it is not clear yet to what extent LAs are playing a part in the analgesic effect of prolotherapy. Typically, multiple injections are given in the same region each session. Because it requires repetition to build up the proliferative effect of hypertonic dextrose on connective tissue, multiple sessions are applied. Higher concentrations such as 25% net dextrose usually require less sessions than 12.5% net concentration. Higher net concentrations of dextrose are more painful during injection, which means that more LA must be added.
Author(s) Details:
Jan Kersschot,
Kamersveld 10, 2630 Aartselaar, Belgium