Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is a biologic therapy that promotes healing and enhances repair in certain injuries. Often referred to as an “orthobiologic,” PRP is derived from a patient’s own blood, which is then centrifuged to concentrate the platelets for treating orthopedic injuries and conditions. PRP injections can be a beneficial alternative for managing tendon, ligament, muscle, and cartilage injuries.

The PRP treatment process is relatively simple: the doctor draws blood from the patient and uses a centrifuge to isolate the PRP. This concentrated mixture contains platelets, cytokines, growth factors, and anti-inflammatory properties, which are injected into the injury site to stimulate healing. PRP can also be used during surgery to enhance recovery and improve healing speed.

PRP has been used for years to treat professional athletes and is increasingly being utilized to help active adolescents and adults recover from sports and other orthopedic injuries.

What is a platelet rich plasma (PRP)?

Blood consists of four primary components: plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Plasma is the liquid part of blood, with about 90% of it being water. Red blood cells carry oxygen, while white blood cells help the body respond to infections and injuries. Platelets are tiny cell fragments in the blood that play a crucial role in clotting and act as one of the first responders to an injury. When platelets reach the injury site, they become activated and release growth factors and proteins called cytokines, which aid in the healing of damaged tissues.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a therapy created from the patient’s own blood, consisting of plasma and a high concentration of platelets. It is injected directly into the injured area, delivering a concentrated dose of platelets, along with growth factors and cytokines, to promote healing.

To prepare PRP, a doctor will first draw your blood and place it in a centrifuge, a device that spins rapidly to separate the components of blood. The centrifuge separates red blood cells from the plasma and platelets. After the red blood cells are discarded, what remains is a mixture of plasma and concentrated platelets. PRP typically contains three to five times the number of platelets found in normal circulating blood. It also contains white blood cells, or leukocytes. If PRP is prepared with a higher-than-normal level of white blood cells, it is referred to as leukocyte-rich PRP. If it has a lower-than-normal level of white blood cells, it is called leukocyte-poor PRP.

What problems can platelet rich plasma injections be used to treat?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are used to treat degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, as well as injuries to tendons, ligaments, and muscles. At Yale Medicine, orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists, and physiatrists use PRP injections to help people of all ages.

Some specific conditions that doctors treat with PRP injections, or use PRP as a supplement to other treatments like physical therapy, include:

  • Neck and back pain
  • Chronic ligament or tendon injuries
  • Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow
  • Osteoarthritis in the hip, knee, or shoulder joints
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Injuries to cartilage, ligaments, and tendons

PRP can also be used alongside surgery to improve healing and speed up recovery.

What kinds of results can patients expect with platelet rich plasma injections?

Every patient responds differently to PRP treatment, but doctors believe it may promote a longer-lasting recovery from an injury compared to some other treatments. Some patients report pain relief within four to six weeks—sometimes sooner—and notice continued improvement for up to a year.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of PRP treatments can vary between patients, and doctors are still researching the reasons behind these differences in outcomes.

What are the risks to platelet rich plasma injections?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are minimally invasive and rarely cause side effects. Since PRP is derived entirely from the patient’s own body, there is no risk of rejection or disease transmission. The most common side effects are mild discomfort, pain, or stiffness at the injection site.

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