PRP - Growth Factors / Platelet Gel

What is the PRP?

The abbreviation PRP stands for platelet growth factors that are extracted from the patient's own blood and purified using special centrifugation methods for a "curative" effect in certain diseases, the musculoskeletal system to accelerate natural scar healing and tissue regeneration in the tendons.

Are all PRPs the same?

No, they vary depending on the type and purity of the preparation, so the restoration of potency / effectiveness varies accordingly, having a negative impact on costs.

How is it done?

The necessary basis is the patient's blood, which is centrifuged in a special high-speed centrifuge with a special PRP tube that "frames" the part of the blood rich in growth/repair factors, the platelet gel, which is then injected into the joint tendons or even into the site of the muscle injury during outpatient procedures under ultrasound control and during surgery under arthroscopic, endoscopic or even ultrasound guidance, is injected into the joint tendons or even at the site of muscle injury, with these components acting as catalysts to attract immune cells and poorly differentiated cells to the site of the lesion, stimulating them to regenerate the tissue.

In which areas is PRP used?

Scientifically validated indications for the use of PRP / Platelet Gel :

• in cartilage lesions and mild / moderate osteoarthritis of the knee, shoulder and ankle joint.
• in epicondylitis (tennis elbow) / epitrocleitis (golfer's elbow) and partial tendon injuries mm. Epicondyle of the elbow
• for partial injuries and tendinopathies of the rotator cuff of the shoulder
• for partial injuries and tendinopathies of the Achilles tendon.
• for injuries and tendinopathies of the patella and quadriceps tendon of the knee (jumper knee).
• In knee ligament injuries (collateral and partial ligament injuries of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments).

Is a screening/visit important or unnecessary?

An accurate and highly specialized assessment is essential to assess the potential benefit of PRP / platelet gel for the patient or if there are related factors and pathologies that may limit and / or negatively affect its effectiveness. In many cases of little or no treatment effectiveness, PRP cannot be a panacea or "salt-to-spray" lesion due to an error in the treatment indication, but has precise indications and methods of use.

Methods and protocol of PRP-Treatment

It includes a preliminary examination with a detailed analysis of the pathology to be treated and the associated pathologies. Optional but required by some institutions such as hepatitis and HIV screening, blood counts, and screening. Then, if the correct indication for treatment is confirmed, the treatment session will be planned and carried out in a suitable and certified surgical clinic, which will include: blood collection and centrifugation. Direct and up-to-date ultrasound monitoring of the injury is also provided for patients with muscle and tendon pathologies. Injection of purified platelet gel into the patient's lesion. Location under ultrasound control. The protocol may also contain a specific rehabilitation program related to the type of pathology being treated.

PRP and hyaluronic acid

PRP and hyaluronic acid have different effects and can be used in combination to increase anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects at both the joint and tendon levels when indicated and given at the right time.

Contraindications

Treatment is contraindicated for intercurrent pathologies that may alter the patient's blood status / profile. The condition of acute joint inflammation is also a relative contraindication. It is good that the patient took anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics no earlier than 7 days after the scheduled infiltration session.

Side effects

Minor and non-specific reactions, such as a temporary increase in pain and inflammation (described as possible after any infiltrative procedure).

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