PRP Injections
Platelet-Rich Plasma, or PRP, is a specialized process by which growth factors from a patient's own blood are injected into the site of inflammation. In many cases, the injection is performed by the surgeon under X-ray or ultrasound guidance. The injected growth factors may stimulate a healing process in order to decrease pain. PRP injections have been used extensively by professional athletes for a wide variety of injuries, and early results are very exciting. Although more data is still needed, PRP may provide an alternative to surgery or to other types of injections.
Some injuries in which PRP injections may be used:
- Tendonitis
- Tendon or ligament tears
- Bursitis
- Arthritis
PRP therapy offers a promising solution to accelerate healing of tendon injuries and osteoarthritis naturally without subjecting the patient to significant risk. PRP is an emerging treatment in a new health sector known as "Orthobiologics." The philosophy is to merge cutting edge technology with the body's natural ability to heal itself.
Blood is made of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), plasma and platelets. Platelets were initially known to be responsible for blood clotting. In the last 20 years we have learned that when activated in the body, platelets release healing proteins called growth factors. There are many growth factors with varying responsibilities, however, cumulatively they accelerate tissue and wound healing. Therefore, after increasing the baseline concentration of these platelets, we are able to deliver a powerful mixture of growth factors that can dramatically enhance tissue recovery.
PRP Injections Surgical Procedure
First, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient's arm. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge that spins the blood for approximately 15 minutes. This step removes the unwanted components of blood that are not primarily responsible for healing including: plasma, WBC's and RBC's. What remains is an increased concentration up to 10x above baseline of platelets, which are rich in healing properties called growth factors. During this time, the patient receives either local anesthetic (injected) or conscious sedation (via IV), as determined beforehand by the physician and patient.
Using musculoskeletal ultrasound, the hip joint is identified. The injection is performed with ultrasound guidance to ensure that the injection goes into the joint.
The patient rests afterwards for 5-10 minutes and is discharged home with post procedure instructions. Increased pain may result for approximately seven days following the injection which is not uncommon. This represents part of the healing process.
Recovery after PRP Injections
Follow up is usually in four weeks. For osteoarthritis, a three injection series is required at four week intervals. Patients are encouraged to participate in physical therapy following the injection which enhances recovery.
PRP Injections: Who is a Candidate?
For the patient who has hip arthritis or the person who has had a recent injury from an accident, this injection can be a very effective treatment to strengthen those specific areas and eliminate the pain. Realize, however, that this treatment starts the growth of new healthy, strong tissue. Your body — your own immune system — grows the tissue. For the person who has terrible digestion, chronic fatigue, irritable bladder; and a host of other chronic nutritional, hormonal, allergic problems, these deficiencies and illnesses should be corrected so the body will be able to respond to this type of treatment. The ideal candidates are adult patients (over the age of 18) who have long standing arthritis who have failed previous treatment or have the inability to tolerate oral anti-inflammatory medications due to medical problems or allergies. These candidates should have sufficient symptoms to be considering surgery or repeated injections.
