WHAT IS PRP?
Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections were first used in open heart surgery in 1987.
Today, PRP injections are used safely in many fields, especially in sports medicine, orthopedics, cosmetology, faciomaxillary and urology.
Blood includes plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Platelets are small disc-shaped cells with a lifespan of about 7-10 days. Internal platelets contain granules containing coagulation and growth factors. During the healing process, platelets become activated and clump together. The granules are then released, containing growth factors that stimulate the inflammatory cascade and healing process.
Blood typically contains 6% platelets, whereas PRP has a significantly increased Supra-physiological platelet concentration. Although this level will vary depending on the extraction method and equipment, studies have shown that clinical benefit can be achieved if the PRP used has an increased platelet concentration of more than 4 times that of normal blood.
PRP IN Musculoskeletal Medicine
Platelet-rich plasma injection (PRP injections) can be used to treat many musculoskeletal fractures, including tendons, muscles, and joints. Typically, 2 or more injections are required, 4-6 weeks apart. This may vary depending on your injury.
WHICH TENDON INJURY CAN BE TREATED WITH PRP?
PRP can be injected into:
- Tennis elbow (joint opener tendinosis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Jumper knee (patellar tendinosis)
- Achilles tendinosis
- Heel spur (Plantar fasciitis)
- hamstring tendons
- Adductor tendons
- Gluteal tendons
WHICH MUSCLE INJURY CAN BE TREATED WITH PRP?
PRP can be injected into:
- hamstrings
- Calf
- quadriceps
WHAT OTHER INJURY CAN BE TREATED WITH PRP?
PRP can also be used in the following situations:
- Trochanteric bursitis
- Knee MCL tears
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- Hip Osteoarthritis
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections for Tendons
PRP INJECTION AND ULTRASOUND
Dr. Nergiz van den Berk – Göktaş was in London with Prof. He received ultrasound injection training into the musculoskeletal system from Dr Otto Chan. It is very important to examine all PRP injections with ultrasound, to identify the problems first and to inject with ultrasound guidance to the place where treatment is required.