Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

What Are Plasma and Platelets?

Blood is made up of different things and plasma is about 55% of its volume. Plasma is a yellow liquid that is mostly water, electrolytes, proteins (including fibrinogen, albumin, and globulins), and hormones. In addition to helping control pH and osmotic pressure, plasma is essential for the movement of nutrients, hormones, and proteins throughout the body.

Platelets are small asymmetrically formed cell pieces present in the blood. Their ability to aggregate at the site of blood artery damage and create a plug to stop bleeding is crucial for blood clotting, or hemostasis. Furthermore, platelets release a variety of growth factors that support tissue healing and repair.

What Is a PRP Injection?

A PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injection is a procedure where a concentrated form of a patient’s own platelets, derived from their blood, is injected into an injured area to stimulate healing and tissue regeneration. The process involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, which is then centrifuged to separate the platelets from other blood components. 

The resulting platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the targeted area, such as joints, tendons, or muscles, to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation. PRP injections are used in various medical fields to treat conditions like tendon/ligamentous injuries, osteoarthritis, and even hair loss.

What Are the Clinical Applications of PRP Injections?

PRP injections are commonly utilized in the treatment of tendon, ligament, muscle, and joint injuries across various medical specialties, including orthopedics, sports medicine, and rehabilitation. Here are some common examples of how PRP injections are administered:

1. Tendon Injuries: PRP injections are frequently used to treat tendon injuries such as Achilles tendonitis, patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee), tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), and rotator cuff injuries. By delivering a concentrated dose of growth factors to the injured tendon, PRP injections can stimulate the healing process, promote tissue regeneration, and reduce pain and inflammation.
2. Ligament Injuries: Sprains and partial tears can benefit from PRP injections. Common examples include injuries to the ankle, knee, hip, and elbow ligaments. PRP injections can aid in the healing of ligament injuries by enhancing the formation of new connective tissue and improving stability and function.
3. Muscle Injuries: PRP injections are used in the treatment of muscle injuries such as strains, tears, and overuse injuries. They help accelerate the repair of damaged muscle fibers, reducing pain and inflammation, and restoring muscle function. Commonly treated muscle injuries include calf muscle tears, hamstring strains, and quadriceps strains.
4. Joint Injuries: PRP injections are employed in the management of joint injuries and degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. They are commonly used in ankle, knee, shoulder, and hip osteoarthritis to alleviate pain, improve joint function, and promote cartilage regeneration. PRP injections can also be used to address other joint conditions such as meniscal tears and labral tears.

Overall, PRP injections offer a regenerative treatment option for tendon, ligament, muscle, and joint injuries, promoting tissue repair and enhancing recovery outcomes.

Post-Surgical Healing

PRP injections are commonly used in post-surgical healing to accelerate tissue repair and reduce inflammation. Following procedures such as tendon or ligament repair, muscle reconstruction, or joint surgeries like joint arthroscopy, PRP injections can enhance healing by delivering growth factors directly to the surgical site. This promotes faster recovery, reduces pain, and improves functional outcomes. By stimulating regeneration and tissue remodeling, PRP injections aid in the healing process, potentially shortening rehabilitation periods and allowing patients to return to sports and normal activities sooner. This application underscores PRP’s versatility in promoting optimal recovery following various surgical interventions. PRP can be used in conjunction with extracorporeal magnetic transduction therapy to help post-operative patients to be rehabilitated safely even faster. 

Osteoarthritis

In osteoarthritis treatment, PRP injections offer a regenerative approach to alleviate pain and improve joint function. Administered directly into the affected joint, PRP contains concentrated growth factors that stimulate cartilage repair and reduce inflammation. By promoting the regeneration of damaged tissues, PRP injections can slow the progression of osteoarthritis, enhance joint lubrication, and alleviate symptoms such as pain and stiffness. This non-surgical treatment option provides patients with a minimally invasive alternative to traditional therapies, potentially delaying or avoiding the need for joint replacement surgery while improving the overall quality of life for those affected by osteoarthritis.

PRP Therapy Risks and Side Effects

PRP injections, while generally very safe, carry potential risks and side effects. These include temporary pain or discomfort at the injection site, along with swelling and bruising that typically resolve within a day or two. A low risk of infection is also a possibility, highlighting the importance of sterile techniques during administration. Rarely, allergic reactions to PRP components may occur. Improper injection technique could lead to nerve or tissue damage. Additionally, not all patients may experience significant improvement in symptoms following treatment. Please consult with your surgeon at Modern Orthopaedics and see if PRP is the therapy of choice for you!