Prolactin: A New Actor in Musculoskeletal Physiology and its Implication in Orthopedic Pathologies
Original Article | Vol 5 | Issue 1 | January-June 2025 | page: 14-18 | Paul Germán Terán Vela, Estefanía Anabel Lozada Tobar, Luis Eduardo Guzmán Freire
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jrs.2025.v05.i01.161
Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0
Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).
Submitted Date: 10 May 2025, Review Date: 20 May 2025, Accepted Date: May 2025 & Published: 30 Jun 2025
Author: Paul Germán Terán Vela [1], Estefanía Anabel Lozada Tobar [1], Luis Eduardo Guzmán Freire [2]
[1] Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Orthopedic Specialties Center, Quito- Ecuador,
[2] Orthopedic Specialties Center, Quito-Ecuador.
Address of Correspondence
Dr. Paul Germán Terán Vela,
Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Orthopedic Specialties Center, Quito-Ecuador.
E-mail: paulteranmd@gmail.com
Abstract
Prolactin (PRL), traditionally known for its role in lactation, has emerged as a pleiotropic hormone with actions that extend beyond reproduction. Growing evidence suggests its involvement in pain modulation, immune function and tissue homeostasis, with potential repercussions on musculoskeletal health. This review analyzes in depth the available scientific literature on PRL and its relationship with orthopedic pathologies, including chronic pain, tendinopathies, and conditions of the muscle, ligaments, and articular cartilage. The molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the influence of PRL on musculoskeletal physiology are explored, as well as the clinical implications of its level disturbances, both hyperprolactinemia and hypoprolactinemia. Finally, future perspectives and lines of research are discussed to fully understand the role of PRL in the context of orthopedic pathologies are discussed.
Keywords: Prolactin, Hyperprolactinemia, Hypoprolactinemia, Chronic pain, Tendinopathies, Osteoarthritis, Skeletal muscle, Ligaments, Articular cartilage, Prolactin receptors
References:
1. Noel GL, Suh HK, Stone JG, Frantz AG. Human prolactin and growth hormone release during surgery and other conditions of stress. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1972;35:840-51.
2. Sassin JF, Frantz AG, Weitzman ED, Kapen S. Human prolactin: 24-Hour pattern with increased release during sleep. Science 1972;177:1205-7.
3. Melmed S, Casanueva FF, Hoffman AR, Kleinberg DL, Montori VM, Schlechte JA, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of hyperprolactinemia: An endocrine society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2011;96:273-88.
4. Molitch ME. Drugs and prolactin. Pituitary 2008;11:209-18.
5. Bostwick JR, Guthrie SK, Ellingrod VL. Antipsychoticinduced hyperprolactinemia. Pharmacotherapy 2009;29:64-73.
6. Littley MD, Shalet SM, Beardwell CG, Ahmed SR, Applegate G, Sutton ML. Hypopituitarism following external radiotherapy for pituitary tumours in adults. Q J Med 1989;70:145-60.
7. Webster J, Piscitelli G, Polli A, Ferrari CI, Ismail I, Scanlon MF. A comparison of cabergoline and bromocriptine in the treatment of hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea. Cabergoline comparative study group. N Engl J Med 1994;331:904-9.
8. Maciuba S, Bowden GD, Stratton HJ, Wisniewski K, Schteingart CD, Almagro JC, et al. Discovery and characterization of prolactin neutralizing monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of female-prevalent pain disorders. MAbs 2023;15:2254676.
9. Singh S, Kopruszinski CM, Watanabe M, Dodick DW,Navratilova E, Porreca F. Female-selective mechanisms promoting migraine. J Headache Pain 2024;25:63.
10. Clevenger CV, Furth PA, Hankinson SE, Schuler LA. The role of prolactin in mammary carcinoma. Endocr Rev 2003;24:1-27.
11. Ling C, Hellgren G, Gebre-Medhin M, Dillner K, Wennbo H, Carlsson B, et al. Prolactin (PRL) receptor gene expression in mouse adipose tissue: Increases during lactation and in PRLtransgenic mice. Endocrinology 2000;141:3564-72.
12. Guler HP, Zapf J, Froesch R. Short-term metabolic effects of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I in healthy adults. N Engl J Med 1987;317:137-40.
13. Lubberts E, Joosten LA, Oppers B, Van Den Bersselaar L, Coenen-De Roo CJ, Kolls JK, et al. IL-1-independent role of IL-
17 in synovial inflammation and joint destruction duringcollagen-induced arthritis 1. J Immunol 2001;167:1004-13.
14. Schlechte JA, Shermanf BM, Chapler FK, Van Gilder J. Long term follow-up of women with surgically treated prolactinsecretingpituitary tumors. J Clin Endocrinol Metab1986;62:1296-301.
15. Klibanski A, Zervas NT. Diagnosis and management ofhormone-secreting pituitary adenomas. N Engl J Med 1991;324:822-31.
16. Yun SJ, Sang H, Park SY, Chin SO. Effect ofhyperprolactinemia on bone metabolism: Focusing onosteopenia/osteoporosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024;25:1474.
17. Buvat J, Lemaire A, Buvat-Herbaut M, Fourlinnie JC,Racadot A, Fossati P. Hyperprolactinemia and sexual functionin men. Horm Res 1985;22:196-203.
18. Szewczyk AK, Ulutas S, Aktürk T, Al-Hassany L, Börner C,Cernigliaro F, et al. Prolactin and oxytocin: Potential targets formigraine treatment. J Headache Pain 2023;24:31.
| How to Cite this article: Terán Vela PG, Tobar EAL, Freire LEG | Prolactin: A New Actor in Musculoskeletal Physiology and its Implication in Orthopedic Pathologies| Journal of Regenerative Science | Jan-Jun 2025; 5(1): 14-18. |
[Article Text HTML] [Full Text PDF]
Tibial delayed bone healing in a pediatric patient. Treatment with focused shock wave therapy
Bibliographic Analysis | Vol 5 | Issue 1 | January-June 2025 | page: 05-07 | Martín Turco, Fernando Dobkin, Purrello Silvia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jrs.2025.v05.i01.157
Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0
Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).
Submitted Date: 10 Feb 2025, Review Date: 12 Mar 2025, Accepted Date: May 2025 & Published: 30 Jun 2025
Author: Martín Turco [1], Fernando Dobkin [1], Purrello Silvia [2]
[1] Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sanatorio Parque Rosario, Rosario, Argentina,
[2] Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sanatorio de Niños Rosario, Rosario, Argentina.
Address of Correspondence
Dr. Martín Turco,
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sanatorio Parque Rosario, Rosario, Argentina.
E-mail: martinturco@live.com.ar
Abstract
Surgery for leg fractures in children and adolescents can have complications such as delayed healing and non-unions. When this complication occurs in many cases, it is necessary to remove the previously placed implant, generate a new active focus (bone curettage), and place a new implant, with or without the addition of bone graft. In cases where the fracture site is stable, focused shock waves can play a therapeutic role with a low complication rate. We present the long-term results in a case of tibial shaft fracture with delayed healing treated with shock waves in an 11- year-old patient.
Keywords: Tibial delayed healing, Non-union; Leg fracture; Shock Waves, Pediatric Fracture
References:
1. Wang Y, Doyle M, Smit K, Varshney T, Carsen S. The toddler‘s fracture. Pediatr Emerg Care 2022;38:36-9.
2. Rockwood CA, Wilkins KE, Beaty JH, Kasser JR. Rockwood and Wilkins‘ Fractures in Children. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2001.
3. Gordon JE, Gregush RV, Schoenecker PL, Dobbs MB, Luhmann SJ. Complications after titanium elastic nailing of pediatric tibial fractures. J Pediatr Orthop 2007;27:442-6.
4. Valchanou VD, Michailov P. High energy shock waves in the treatment of delayed and nonunion of fractures. Int Orthop 1991;15:181-4.
5. Moya D, Ramón S, Schaden W, Wang CJ, Guiloff L, Cheng JH. The role of extracorporeal shockwave treatment in musculoskeletal disorders. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2018;100:251-63.
6. Haupt G. Use of extracorporeal shock waves in the treatment of pseudarthrosis, tendinopathy and other orthopedic diseases. J Urol 1997;158:4-11.
7. Rompe JD, Rosendahl T, Schöllner C, Theis C. High-energy extracorporeal shock wave treatment of nonunions. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2001;387:102-11.
8. Wang CJ, Chen HS, Chen CE, Yang KD. Treatment of nonunions of long bone fractures with shock waves. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2001;387:95-101.
9. Schaden W, Fischer A, Sailler A. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy of nonunion or delayed osseous union. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2001;387:90-4.
10. Elster EA, Stojadinovic A, Forsberg J, Shawen S, AndersenRC, Schaden W. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for nonunion of the tibia. J Orthop Trauma 2010;24:133-41.
11. Schaden W, Mittermayr R, Haffner N, Smolen D, Gerdesmeyer L, Wang CJ. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)–First choice treatment of fracture non-unions? Int J Surg 2015;24:179-83.
12. Moya D, Brañes M, Guiloff L, Ramón S, Olivieri H. Use of Focused Shockwaves Under 18 Years Old: Is it Justified to Cross the Limit? 22nd ISMST Congress, Beijing, China, 2019.
13. Senes S, Staudacher G, Iglesias S, Moya D, Goyeneche R. Treatment of a femoral shaft non-union in a pediatric patient with focused shockwaves. Regen Sci 2022;2:36-8.
14. Ruíz-Mejía O, Pimentel-Rangel J, Escudero-Rivera D, Valle-de Lascurain G, Oribio-Gallegos JA. Manejo de las fracturas diafisarias en pacientes pediátricos con clavos elásticos de titanio [Management of shaft fractures with elastic titanium nails in pediatric patients]. Acta Ortop Mex 2012;26:162-9.
15. Mendoza-Balta RJ, Bello-González A, Rosas-Cadena JL. Tratamiento de fracturas diafisiarias en niños con clavos elásticos de titanio [Treatment of shaft fractures in children with elastic titanium nails]. Acta Ortop Mex 2009;23:286-91.
16. Yao LF, Chen Q, Zhong ZP, Xu RM, Wang HR, Peng LR, et al. [Analysis on complications of elastic nail treating children’s long bone fractures]. Zhongguo Gu Shang 2009;22:98-100.
17. Lascombes P, Haumont T, Journeau P. Use and abuse of flexible intramedullary nailing in children and adolescents. J Pediatr Orthop 2006;26:827-34.
19. Jhan SW, Wu KT, Chou WY, Chen JW, Siu KK, Huang WC, Wang CJ, Cheng JH. Does extracorporeal shockwave therapy treat leg length discrepancy? an experimental animal study. Arthritis Res Ther. 2025 Mar 4;27(1):47. doi: 10.1186/s13075- 025-03519-6. PMID: 40038756; PMCID: PMC11877862.
| How to Cite this article: Turco M, Dobkin F, Silvia P | Tibial delayed bone healing in a pediatric patient. Treatment with focused shock wave therapy. | Journal of Regenerative Science | Jan-Jun 2025; 5(1): 05-07. |
[Article Text HTML] [Full Text PDF]
A Commentary on “Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy with Imaging Examination for Early Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Systematic Review”
Bibliographic Analysis | Vol 5 | Issue 1 | January-June 2025 | page: 03-04 | Song Dehui, Sun Wei, Fuqiang Gao
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jrs.2025.v05.i01.155
Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0
Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).
Submitted Date: 08 Apr 2025, Review Date: 24 May 2025, Accepted Date: May 2025 & Published: 30 Jun 2025
Author: Song Dehui [1], Sun Wei [2, 3], Fuqiang Gao [1]
[1] Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Center for Osteonecrosis and Joint Preserving and Reconstruction, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China,
[2] Department of Orthopedics, Beijing United Family Hospital, Chaoyang, Beijing, China,
[3] Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Address of Correspondence
Dr. Fuqiang Gao.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Center for Osteonecrosis and Joint Preserving and Reconstruction, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.
E-mail: gaofuqiang@bjmu.edu.cn
Dear Editor,
We have carefully read the systematic review article by Tan et al. [1] published in the International Journal of Surgery. By combining imaging and clinical findings as an important indicator, they studied the clinical effect and images of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in early stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), and suggested that ESWT can improve the symptom of bone marrow edema and was expected to be used as a promising treatment to enhance hip function and reduce pain in the early ONFH. However, we have a few considerations we would like to discuss regarding specific aspects of the study.
First, this systematic review included the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case series studies. RCT is widely considered the “gold standard” for evaluating the causal effect of the intervention, and case series, which provide some observational evidence for practical clinical applications, have a low level of evidence and a high risk of selection bias due to insufficient patient selection criteria. The combination of two types of studies for analysis may introduce bias and affect the efficacy of ESWT. In addition, we found that one of the studies involved fewer than 20 cases. It may result in insufficient statistical power, increasing the risk of false-positive or false-negative results due to random variability. Second, when comparing the three main indicators: Damage size (lesion size), change in Association Research Circulation Osseous stage, and marrow edema grade after ESWT, the results mainly relied on only one single-center RCT by Wang et al. [2] and significant differences existed in the cont ol group interventions across several included studies. Some studies used medical treatment as a control, whereas others conducted surgical intervention. This variability makes it challenging to isolate the potential contributions of other treatments, significantly limiting the precise assessment of the relative effect of ESWT.
Finally, throughout the study, the authors did not clearly differentiate between ONFH and bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES). Instead, they examined bone marrow edema as an early symptom of avascular necrosis (AVN), which may obscure the distinct nature of these conditions and misrepresent the effects of ESWT. ONFH is a common condition characterized by hypoxia and necrosis of bone tissue caused by disrupted local blood supply. This is a worsening and irreversible process, leading to irreparable bone damage and structural deformity. Surgical interventions, such as total hip replacement, are often required in severe cases. In contrast, BMES is a reversible condition characterized by elevated intraosseous pressure and a localized inflammatory response causing fluid accumulation in the bone marrow.
Its primary symptom is acute localized pain, but it often resolves spontaneously. Conservative treatments, including non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and weight-bearing reduction, are typically effective. ESWT has demonstrated efficacy in promoting tissue regeneration, enhancing angiogenesis, and alleviating local pain, particularly in BMES.
However, the efficacy of ESWT in treating AVN of the femoral head is relatively limited. Thus, treating bone marrow edema as an early manifestation of femoral head necrosis may overestimate the overall efficacy of ESWT, potentially misrepresenting its therapeutic impact. Simple bone marrow edema typically presents as a diffuse high-signal response in the femoral head on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In contrast, bone marrow edema secondary to ONFH appears as a low or absent signal on MRI, reflecting necrotic and inactive bone tissue. In the discussion, the citation of Figs. 8 and 9 failed to clearly differentiate whether the imaging sources represented BMES alone or bone marrow edema secondary to AVN. When citing relevant imaging results, special attention should be paid to the differences in imaging between the two types of BMES. Such ambiguous referencing may mislead readers into assuming that ESWT has comparable therapeutic effects across all types of bone marrow edema. Nevertheless, we commend the authors for their contribution to the study, and we believe that with further differentiation between BMES and ONFH the related research will be more precise and in-depth.
References:
1. Tan H, Tang P, Chai H, Ma W, Cao Y, Lin B, et al. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy with imaging examination for early osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A systematic review. Int J Surg 2024;111:1144-53.
2. Wang CJ, Huang CC, Wang JW, Wong T, Yang YJ. Longterm results of extracorporeal shockwave therapy and core decompression in osteonecrosis of the femoral head with eightto nine-year follow-up. Biomed J 2012;35:481-5.
| How to Cite this article: Dehui S, Wei S, Gao F | A Commentary on “Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy with Imaging Examination for Early Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Systematic Review”. | Journal of Regenerative Science | Jan-Jun 2025; 5(1): 03-04. |
[Article Text HTML] [Full Text PDF]
Combined Regenerative Treatments for Musculoskeletal Disorders: Is this the Way Forward?
Editorial | Vol 5 | Issue 1 | January-June 2025 | page: 01-02 | Daniel Moya
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jrs.2025.v05.i01.153
Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0
Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).
Submitted Date: 05 Feb 2025, Review Date: 15 May 2025, Accepted Date: 25 May 2025 & Published: 30 Jun 2025
Author: Daniel Moya [1]
[1] Department of Orthopaedics, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Address of Correspondence
Dr. Daniel Moya,
Department of Orthopaedics, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
E-mail: drdanielmoya@yahoo.com.ar
Editorial
If we had the opportunity to visit a European pharmacy during the 16th century, we would surely find crushed Egyptian mummies among the medicines for sale [1]. Its use was indicated for all types of ailments, from headaches or indigestion to treating the consequences of bubonic plague [2].
The practice of consuming parts of ancient Egyptian mummies began in the 11th century [3], and its widespread in Western Europe was in fact, due to a series of mistranslations and misunderstandings [1]. The Persians considered asphalt a miraculous substance, with healing effects in the treatment of wounds and fractures. They called this substance “mum” [3]. It was first described in detail in the Arabic medical pharmacy texts as “mumiya” [1-4]. Probably, translation errors and the fact that Egyptian mummies were covered in a layer of resin, led to the conclusion that eating mummies powder would have beneficial effects on health. The custom spreaded from Byzantium throughout Europe, remaining in some cases until the 19th century [1-4].
These stories, which are laughable today, reflect human nature and its eternal search for the source of eternal youth and health. While therapeutic attempts may change over the centuries, our nature remains the same. The explosion of interest in “regenerative medicine” in recent years has opened up new hope as a healing option that is often presented as miraculous. As if the constant emergence of new therapeutic options whose effectiveness is not fully proven was not enough, we also faced the capricious combination of these methods. It is not uncommon to see the indiscriminate dissemination of these techniques by colleagues on social media and congresess and its application in medical practice without solid scientific evidence. For example, the proposal to combine shock waves with platelet-rich plasma has become very popular at scientific conferences and presentations. However, there is no solid evidence to support it for most musculoskeletal indications.
A simple ankle sprain is treated with four different therapeutic methods simultaneously. After 2 weeks, the hematoma and edema miraculously resolved!!! The same thing that would happen only with ice and rest.
In the case of a professional athlete, where a positive result is needed as quickly as possible, it may make some sense to deviate from the usual norms, but it is not necessarily valid to apply this as a massive practice.
The principle of Ockham’s razor is a philosophical rule that recommends choosing the simplest explanation in situations where several explanations for the same phenomenon are presented [5]. It is very difficult to apply in cases of combined treatment. When many therapies are applied, we’ll never know which method really cured the patient, if any of them actually made a difference, but the professional and the promoted devices will undoubtedly increase their sales. Likewise, if the patient worsens, we will not know which treatment or combination of treatments was responsible for the poor outcome.
It is important to differentiate between “complementary treatments” and “combined treatments.” We could say that in the case of complementary treatments, we use techniques that have different objectives and mechanisms of action, for example immobilization, ice, and rest in the case of an acute traumatic injury. In the case of “combined” treatments, there is often an overlap of mechanisms of action.
In his unforgettable television series on the development of science and technology, Burke [6] stated, “If you follow the trail from the past to a modern procedure used by humanity, the story has many twists, turns, false leads, and conjectures.” New therapeutic alternatives can offer us the results we’ve always desired, but in some cases, they may be false leads. Scientifically based study of the combination of therapeutic methods before offering them commercially and undiscriminatingly will prevent our generation from becoming the mummy powder salesmen of the 21st century that will cause laughter in the future among those who follow us on the path of medicine.
References:
1. Dannenfeldt KH. Egyptian mumia: The sixteenth century experience and debate. Sixt Century J 1985;16:163-80.
2. Abel GM. Mummy Extract, the Multipurpose Remedy of the Middle Ages in Spanish. National Geographic; 2023. Available from: https://historia.nationalgeographic.com.es/a/extracto-momia-remedio-multiusos-edad-media-18121 [Last accessed on 2025 May ???].
3. Blakemore E. The Gory History of Europe’s Mummy-Eating Fad. National Geographic; 2023. Available from: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/mummy-eating-medical-cannibalism-gory-history [Last accessed on 2025 May].
4. Bouras-Vallianatos P, Käs F. Treating with minerals in the middle ages: The rare substance mūmiyā‘ (pitch-asphalt) and its medicinal uses in Byzantium. Med Hist 2024;68:223-36.
5. McFadden J. Razor sharp: The role of occam’s razor in science. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023;1530:8-17.
6. Burke J. Connections. BBC; 1978. Available from: https://archive.org/details/connectionsbyjamesburke [Last accessed on 2025 May].
| How to Cite this article: Moya D | Combined Regenerative Treatments for Musculoskeletal Disorders: Is this the Way Forward? | Journal of Regenerative Science | Jan-Jun 2025; 5(1): 01-02. |
[Article Text HTML] [Full Text PDF]
Brazilian Medical Society for Shock Wave Treatment
Editorial | Vol 4 | Issue 2 | July-December 2024 | page: 01-01 | Ana Mourão
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jrs.2024.v04.i02.137
Author: Ana Mourão [1]
[1] Department of Physiatry, Service at Pedro Ernesto University Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Address of Correspondence
Dr. Ana Mourão,
Department of Physiatry, Service at Pedro Ernesto University Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
E-mail: ana.mourao@hupe.uerj.br
Editorial
It is with great honor and responsibility that I write for the “Journal of Regenerative Science” in an issue dedicated to Brazil, highlighting the importance of the Brazilian Medical Society for Shock Wave Treatment (SMBTOC). The invitation from the editor-in-chief, Dr. Daniel Moya, is recognition of our continuous efforts in promoting health and innovation. Furthermore, I feel grateful and honored by the eminent responsibility.
Since our founding on March 08, 2001, SMBTOC has been a driving force in the field of shock waves in Brazil. It was born from a group of orthopedic enthusiasts in São Paulo. It soon expanded its horizons to encompass various medical specialties, such as Physiatry, pain clinic, anesthesia, rheumatology, radiology, acupuncture, among others.
The growing popularity of shock wave treatment, based on strong scientific evidence and proven efficacy, highlights the importance of performing it under the supervision of well-trained and qualified physicians. This focus maintains the integrity and efficiency of the method, distancing us from the risks associated with less successful practices.
In 2018, we reformulated our name to the SMBTOC, reflecting the breadth and diversity of our commitment. Our impact is strengthened through social media, digital platforms and educational programs, which have already trained more than 1,000 doctors, a true demonstration of our commitment to professional excellence and innovation.
In the international arena, SMBTOC has solidified its leadership by actively participating in the founding of the International Federation for Shock Wave Treatment in March 2023, in Cosenza, Italy. This international collaboration fosters ethics, research and education in the therapeutic use of shock waves, both focal and radial.
We are immersed in a dynamic and constantly evolving world; SMBTOC‘s commitment is to translate scientific evidence into efficient clinical practices through various educational events. This continuous effort is vital to improve the quality of health and, consequently, the quality of life of patients.
Finally, adhering to the spirit of service, I recognize that our mission is built on rigorous ethics, continuous learning, and the vision of altruistic associativism. Cognitive humility guides us in understanding that there is always room for growth and innovation.
Let us continue, SMBTOC, as a legacy of many who preceded us and who now works to foster a future full of significant contributions to medicine and global health.
With everyone’s effort, our society has consolidated itself as one of the largest and most important in the world in the study of shock waves, and we will continue to grow and innovate.
| How to Cite this article: Mourão A. Brazilian Medical Society for Shock Wave Treatment | Journal of Regenerative Science | July-December 2024; 4(2): 01-01. |
[Article Text HTML] [Full Text PDF]
Brazilian Medical Society for Shockwave Therapy: World Leader in the Field of Shockwaves
Editorial | Vol 4 | Issue 2 | July-December 2024 | page: 02-03 | Daniel Moya
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jrs.2024.v04.i02.139
Author: Daniel Moya [1]
[1] Department of Orthopaedics, Buenos Aires British Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Address of Correspondence
Dr. Daniel Moya,
Department of Orthopaedics, Buenos Aires British Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
E-mail: drdanielmoya@yahoo.com.ar
Editorial
The Brazilian Medical Society for Shockwave Therapy (SMBTOC) has a long history. It was created nearly 24 years ago, specifically on March 8, 2001 [1]. It is probably the second largest in the world, after the Chinese society. I have been fortunate to be in contact with the institution from its very 1st day, which has allowed me to closely follow its evolution and gain a deep understanding of its development. It is a good example of what any scientific society should be.
What is Expected from a Scientific Association?
Scientific societies play a fundamental role in various fields:
1. Regulations: A scientific society, especially when based on the use of a specific technique, studies its mechanisms of action, evaluates which devices are suitable and their features, describes indications and contraindications, develops treatment protocols, and warns about possible complications. In this way, guidelines and recommendations are developed, creating evidence-based directions for medical practice to ensure quality patient care [2].
Based on these recommendations, reliable medical services are accredited.
In the case of SMBTOC, the institution’s commitment is admirable and undoubtedly surpasses any other in the world.
2. Education: Medical education without ideological or commercial bias is an essential role of scientific societies. Since its creation, SMBTOC has been developing training courses at different levels, workshops, and international congresses. Its work has expanded in Brazil’s vast territory. SMBTOC has reached even the most remote corners of the country.
Beyond basic education, due to the dynamic nature of our field, continuous medical training is necessary for ongoing updates. SMBTOC implements this through its “Advanced Courses,” dedicated to professionals already certified with vast prior experience.
3. Hierarchy of Scientific Information: The past few decades have witnessed an exponential growth in scientific publications [3], but not everything published is necessarily true [4]. It is the responsibility of scientific societies to distinguish accurate information from low-quality or commercially biased data.
4. Forum for the exchange of experiences: Scientific societies connect professionals from different generations with varying levels of knowledge, perspectives, commercial trends, and even values.
The interaction in a single environment of professionals with different backgrounds and approaches to their profession, and varied levels of experience enriches discussions and provides balance between different trends. In this respect, SMBTOC is also an example to follow, being a society open not only to participants from Brazil but also from all of Latin America.
The exchange of information enriches the group and benefits our practice.
SMBTOC puts this into practice not only through in-person meetings but also through frequent webinars it organizes.
5. Promoting research and advancing knowledge: It is another fundamental task of any scientific society. The generation of new ideas and the search for new applications and protocols are reflected in the high number of publications originating from SMBTOC.
6. Protection of their members: Scientific associations must look after the interests of all their members, including safeguarding professional practice, upholding the hierarchy of medical acts, and actively protecting their members from unfair legal demands. In the past SMBTOC has given very strong evidence of the determination of its Boards of Directors to fulfill this task.
7. Role in society: Science has moved away from secrecy and opened up to society. While this has many positive aspects, indiscriminate access to information has a downside. The general public is not educated to distinguish between true and false information. Social media is full of pseudoscientists spreading fake news and incorrect interpretations of real data. There is also a lot of information with commercial tendencies. Unfortunately, even “serious professionals” have joined this wave to gain “clients” or simply take shortcuts in the once slow and tedious process required to gain academic recognition.
8. International collaboration: Scientific collaboration is as old as science itself [5]. In today’s times, we have tools that facilitate interaction between different national scientific societies. Above all, this interaction must be based on mutual respect, integrity, transparency, and reciprocity [5].
Defending these values is not always easy for Latin American scientific societies. Modern Western science was deeply entangled with colonialism, and the legacy of this still permeates science today [6].
There is a tendency to underestimate local scientific production and points of view, especially in a procedure such as shock waves, that initially had a “Eurocentric” bias.
SMBTOC has also faced these attempts of “intellectual imperialism” [6]. However, it remains the only recognized scientific institution in the field of shockwaves in Brazil by the “Conselho Federal de Medicina” (Federal Council of Medicine). It is endorsed by the Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology, a massive association that invites SMBTOC to participate scientifically in its annual National meeting. It also has the support of the vast majority of international scientific societies in the specialty.
In summary, medical scientific societies are fundamental for maintaining quality, innovation, and ethics in medicine, as well as improving public health through collaboration and education. SMBTOC is a great example of this.
References:
1. Simplício C, Teixeira Mourão AL, Saueressig Kruel AV, D’Almeida A, De Vasconcelos Alves FR, Shinzato GT, et al. Treatise on Shock Waves. Brazilian Medical Society of Shock Wave Treatment -Alef editora-São Paulo, Brazil. 2022;1:14-16.
2. Moya D, Wei S, Simplicio C, Guiloff L, Kwangsun P, Di Giorno A, et al. Scientific evidence of shock waves in orthopedics and traumatology: It is time to set the record straight. J Regen Sci. 2023;3:1-6.
3. Bornmann L, Haunschild R, Mutz R. Growth rates of modern science: A latent piecewise growth curve approach to model publication numbers from established and new literature databases. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 2021;8:224.
4. Ioannidis JP. Why most published research findings are false. PLoS Med 2005;2:e124.
5. Vráblová M, Bonetti G, Henehan G, Brown RE, Sykora P, Marks RS, et al. Promoting international scientific cooperation: The role of scientific societies. Eur Biotech J 2024;3:115-21.
6. Deb Roy R. Science Still Bears the Fingerprints of Colonialism. The Conversation. Science. Smithsonian Magazine; 2018. Available from: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/science-bears-fingerprints-colonialism-180968709 [Last accessed on 2024 Oct 20].
| How to Cite this article: Moya D | Brazilian Medical Society for Shockwave Therapy: World Leader in the Field of Shockwaves | Journal of Regenerative Science | July-December 2024; 4(2): 02-03. |
