What is platelet rich plasma injection ?
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a new treatment option for various orthopedic injuries
and conditions which have traditionally required surgery or other extensive treatments.
Using the patient’s own blood, specially prepared platelets are concentrated and
then re injected into the affected area. The platelets in turn release substances
known as growth factors that lead to improved natural tissue healing. PRP stimulates
the healing process of a torn tendon ligament or an arthritic joint by releasing
growth factors and stimulating new collagen to grow and heal the tissues. Often stem
cells are utilized as well in order to produce more of the cells of the type necessary.
The utilization of stem cells, fat, or sometimes both, are used to treat osteoarthritis.
Is PRP right for me?
- If your suffer from arthritis, an injured ligament, or tendon injury and traditional
methods have not provided relief, then PRP therapy may be the solution. The procedure
is less aggressive and less expensive than surgery.
What can be treated?
- Tendinosis (often mislabeled as tendonitis) is a degenerative, often painful, non-infl
ammatory condition of a tendon.This degenerative portion is weaker than normal tendon,
and may be at risk of progressing to a tear in the course of the disease. Common
examples of tendinosis are :Golfer’s Elbow Tennis ElbowAchilles Tendinosis Rotator
Cuff Tendinosis Plantar Fasciitis Patellar tendinosis
How many treatments are required ?
- The response to treatment varies. Most patients require one to two treatments, but
some patients require more. For more severe problems, additional injections may be
necessary.
The procedure:
- An initial visit with doctor will determine if you are a candidate for PRP injection.
An MRI may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other local complicating
conditions. Patients who have failed traditional treatment with medications and therapy
may be candidates for PRP injection. If PRP is determined to be an option, the procedure
will be scheduled on a different day, and will take about one hour.
Pre and Post Procedure Instructions
- For one week prior to the injection, do not take anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDS)
or aspirin.
- Please refer to list of medications to stop.
- Take your all other medications.
- Please do not eat 5 hours before the procedure.
- Pain from the injection begins as soon as the local anesthetic wears off (approximately
1-2 hours) and seems to peak about 12 hours after the injection.
- Narcotic pain medicine, cold compresses, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used for
the pain.
- Following the injection, do not take NSAIDS for several months, as these medications
inhibit the healing process.
- Redness and swelling occur frequently at the injection location and last about 2
days.
- If there are signs of infection, please call the office or 911.
- Following an injection to an ankle or knee tendon crutches may be needed for the
few days.
- A sling may be worn for the arm or shoulder injection.
- There are no specific activity restrictions following the procedure; patients may
return to full activity as tolerated.
- Please call (410) 581 2969 for more information.
Research
Regenerative Injection of Elite Athletes with Career-Altering Chronic Groin Pain
Who Fail Conservative Treatment
Ultrasonography in Regenerative Injection (Prolotherapy) Using Dextrose, Platelet-rich
Plasma,and Other Injectants
Outcomes after ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injections for chronic tendinopathy:
a multicenter, retrospective review
