Platelet-rich plasma or PRP therapy is popularly used nowadays irrespective of the fact that it is not approved by FDA and is legally approved for application in only limited therapeutic settings. It is specifically used for promoting healing and reducing the recovery time for orthopedic injuries caused by various sports activities.

This platelet-rich plasma contains a very high concentration of growth factors that are needed for tissue regeneration. Since the plasma component is extracted from the patient’s own blood, it is a relatively safe procedure unless contraindicated.

As an orthopedic surgeon, you can expand your knowledge regarding the use of this treatment modality to treat various stages of arthritis by undergoing a PRP Orthopedics Course from Dr. Renat Akhmerov’s Plasmolifting Technologies. This course will help you in giving a hands-on experience in using plasmolifting technology to reduce the intensity and pain associated with the inflammatory diseases of the joint.

Use of PRP therapy in treating Osteoarthritis

In Osteoarthritis, articular cartilage degeneration destroys joints. Depending on the state of arthritis and the amount of joint damage and inflammation, various treatment modalities and lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise are advised.

Read also: Tap into The Healing Response Produced by Your Body with The Use of PRP Therapy

However, if the pain is severe and inflammation of the joint makes it difficult for the patient to perform regular activities, along with NSAIDs, surgical replacement of the joint often is the last resort for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Even the results obtained from surgical treatment of the defective joint are many times unsatisfactory and involve a higher risk of infection.

Use of PRP containing growth factors in a very high concentration can be used to:

• Accelerate the process of regeneration of the articular cartilage.
• Improve the rate of synthesis of the cartilaginous matrix because of improved differentiation of chondrocytes, which is stimulated by the presence of growth factors.
• Improves the recovery of cartilage and bone when PRP is used along with the application of biomaterials to promote cellular adhesion and proliferation.

This chondrocyte proliferation has proven clinical effects on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. If the arthritis is still in its lower stage and the age of the patient is favorable, PRP can have very good outcomes.

There is no standard protocol for the use of PRP therapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Your doctor will be able to plan a protocol for you based on your symptoms and degree of joint degeneration. You may benefit from a single injection or you may need 3-5 PRP injections spaced at 1-3 weeks intervals to get relief from the painful condition and to see improvement in the joint movement.

Apart from treating osteoarthritis, there are many other applications of PRP therapy in orthopedics such as for the treatment of tendinopathies, ACL tears, muscular injuries, to treat chronic wounds and inflammation. It is also used in conjunction with arthroplasty to promote healing, reduce recovery time, and increase post-operative mobility.

Many clinical studies have shown promising results with the use of PRP therapy in promoting healing and regeneration and providing much-needed pain relief to the patients. It is an easy-to-use and very safe treatment modality to provide fast relief from pain after injuries especially for athletes who do not wish to sit back for long recovery periods after an injury.