A patient guide to the use of orthopaedic: platelet rich plasma
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a new treatment for muscular and skeletal injuries. It utilizes part of the bodys natural inflammatory process to accelerate and enhance healing. PRP is an autologous blood derivative, meaning that is a component of blood from the same patient that it is used to treat.
How it works
Platelets in the blood are an integral pail of forming clots, which stop bleeding. However they have another vital role in healing. They contain chemicals called growth factors, which have shown to cause cells to multiply and form new tissue.
PRP contains a much higher concentration of platelet than normal blood. This means that higher concentrations of growth factors are being released into the injured area, which accelerates and enhances healings.
When compared to cortisone/Hyalunic acid injections PRP shows better results over a long period of time. While the effects of cortisone are rapid, they are often followed by a decline condition. PRP, however, shows slower but greater long term improvements and less injury recurrence.
What can be treated with PRP
Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Shoulder, Ankle and small joints)
Degenerative knee conditions
Muscle tear, Meniscus tear, Labral tear.
Ligament and tendon injuries
Bursitis
Frozen shoulders
Shoulder impingement syndrome
Sports injury
Tennis Elbow, Golfers Elbow
Planter fascitis
Patient instructions
Before PRP treatment
You should drink plenty of water before PRP treatment.
You should eat and drink healthily before PRP treatment. Avoid fatty foods, coffee and alcohol.
Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Steroid, NSAID) 2-3 days before and after the treatment.
Hyperbaric therapy is suggested before therapy to increase the number of stem cells in the blood.
Bring all your scans to your first appointment so that the doctor can assess your condition thoroughly.
After PRP treatment
Following the PRP treatment, you should rest and avoid running
After a knee procedure, you should minimise walking
Avoid heavy or repetitive physical activity with the treated body part for up to a week to allow the healing to occur
There may be some swelling and soreness at the injection site for a day or two. Ice and pain medicine should assist with the soreness and swelling. Elevate the treated body part and limit your activities as much as needed to remain comfortable
You may have some discomfort at the injection site that can last few days or up to a week. At times, it may seem like your injury is worse than before the treatment. This is due to an inflammatory response that has been stimulated. This response is common and the worsening of your symptoms will not usually last. Due to the fact that PRPs effectiveness is based on your own bodys ability to heal, an individuals improvement rate will be vary. In most instances, pain is replaced by soreness and eventually the soreness disappears. Strength and endurance will also increase with time.
The recommended treatment sessions include 4 injections. Initially we recommend 3 injection one week apart, 1 month off and final injection. Most patients notice improvement after 2-6 weeks. Maintenance treatment includes yearly (top up) PRP injection may be needed.
Source:
Surecell Medical [BD] Ltd
