Platelet - Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy (Under sports injuries)
What is PRP or Platelet Rich Therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), is a natural component extracted from one's own blood. Platelets are cells within the blood stream that control the role of healing and scar tissue formation following an injury. They are full of growth factors and cytokines which play a crucial role in joint homeostasis and healing. PRP therapy is emerging as a major player in regenerative therapy for tissue injury.
How is Platelet Rich Plasma Prepared?
Blood is first drawn from a patient with a syringe using sterile technique and then centrifuged (spun) and separated out into three layers. The bottom layer is made up of red blood cells , the middle layer consists of platelets and white blood cells and the top layer is plasma. The total volume of platelet rich plasma that is collected is approximately 5 milliliters or one teaspoon. Once it is prepared it is stable for up to eight hours, however once it is “activated” it must be used within ten minutes. The PRP is then delivered directly to the area of injury.
What is PRP Used For?
PRP is highly effective in muscle and tendon injuries in the fields of orthopaedics and sports medicine. It is used for injuries of tendons, muscles and ligaments. PRP has been proven to be effective in aiding the healing of tendon tissue, articular cartilage (the material that lines the joint surface) defects and significantly reduce pain and improve function in the conditions mentioned below, however nothing in the world as yet can restore articular cartilage once the damage is too far gone. In severe arthritis PRP can however significantly minimise pain, improve function and allow people to exercise, and reduce their reliance on daily medications and quite harmful continuous NSAID anti-inflammatory use, and through this combined effect protect the joint surface that remains. It's effect for pain relief in arthritis can last 12 months
Common injuries that can be treated with PRP include
Based on the injury and location, several PRP treatments may be needed and may be as frequent as once a week as the full effect of PRP takes up to seven days. Since the platelet rich plasma promotes inflammation, there will be moderate discomfort after the treatment, yet this will subside with time and acetaminophen (Paracetamol) may be used for pain control.
Bibliography
- Chang KV, Hung CY, Aliwarga F, Wang TG, Han DS, Chen WS. Comparative effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma injections for treating knee joint cartilage degenerative pathology: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2014 Mar;95(3):562-75.
- Krogh TP, Bartels EM, Ellingsen T, Stengaard-Pedersen K, Buchbinder R, Fredberg U, Bliddal H, Christensen R. Comparative effectiveness of injection therapies in lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review and network meta- analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Sports Med. 2013 Jun;41(6):1435-46.
- Vetrano M, Castorina A, Vulpiani MC, Baldini R, Pavan A, Ferretti A. Platelet-rich plasma versus focused shock waves in the treatment of jumper's knee in athletes. Am J Sports Med. 2013 Apr;41(4):795-803. Epub 2013 Feb 13.
- Wetzel RJ, Patel RM, Terry MA. Platelet-rich plasma as an effective treatment for proximal hamstring injuries. Orthopedics. 2013 Jan;36(1):e64-70.
- Mautner K, Colberg RE, Malanga G, Borg-Stein JP, Harmon KG, Dharamsi AS, Chu S, Homer P. Outcomes after ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injections for chronic tendinopathy: a multicenter, retrospective review. PM R. 2013 Mar;5(3):169-75.
- Mautner K, Colberg RE, Malanga G, Borg-Stein JP, Harmon KG, Dharamsi AS, Chu S, Homer P. Outcomes after ultrasound- guided platelet-rich plasma injections for chronic tendinopathy: a multicenter, retrospective review. PM R. 2013 Mar;5(3):169-75.