Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), sometimes also called platelet gel or platelet gruel, is a platelet concentrate obtained by centrifugation of the patient’s own blood (Fig. 1).
Due to their ability to release growth factors, including PDGF, TGF β, VEGF, IGF-1, FGF, and EGF, platelets play a key role in mediating the healing process of damaged tissue.
PRP, which is used in various fields of medicine, finds its indication in the orthopaedic field in the treatment of mild chondropathy and arthrosis and in tendinopathies and muscle injuries [1].
The preparation involves taking an autologous venous blood sample, which is then subjected to centrifugation and concentration in a test tube. The PRP thus obtained is injected into the site of the lesion. Intra-articular infiltration is performed in cases of chondropathy and arthrosis, and can be performed if necessary (hip and shoulder) under ultrasound guidance[2]. PRP can also be used to successfully treat tendinopathies or muscle injuries with ultrasound-guided injections [3].
The treatment is carried out 3-4 times 15 days apart and, if necessary and depending on the pathology to be treated, can be repeated over time.
Bibliography
- Current Clinical Recommendations for Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma. Le ADK, Enweze L, DeBaun MR, Dragoo JL. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2018;11:624–634.
- The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis. Southworth TM, Naveen NB, Tauro TM, Leong NL, Cole BJ. J Knee Surg. 2019;32:37–45.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Orthopedic Sports Medicine. Mlynarek RA, Kuhn AW, Bedi A. Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2016;45:290–326.
Book online
