Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a plasma containing concentrated platelets acquired from autologous blood.
Concentration of platelets in such plasma is 4-5 larger than in normal blood.
There are four main categories of preparation of platelet-rich plasma based on its leukocyte and fibrin architecture contents:
- Leukocyte-Pure Platelet Rich Plasma (P-PRP),
- Leukocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma (L-PRP),
- Leukocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Firbin (P-PRF),
- Leukocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Fibrin (R-PRF),
Depending on the kind of pathology different types of PRP are applied. PRP is currently used as a concentrated source of growth factors released from the activated platelets to stimulate regeneration of different structures of musculosceletal system.
Preparing for the procedure:
Before PRP injection it is required to show the doctor a complete blood count and to determine coagulation factors.
Indications for PRP teratment:
- acute sports injury,
- chronic degenerative soft tissue diseases like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, plantar fascitis,
- osteoarthritis.
Contraindications:
- coagulation disorder,
- impossibility of taking a rest and rehabilitation after PRP injection,
- platelet count disorder,
- some systemic diseases,
- anti-coagulation therapy,
- chronic liver disease,
- sepsis,
- acute and chronic infections.
What does the procedure entail?
PRP is made by centrifuging a whole blood in order to concentrate the platelets in the plasma. The plasma is injected into the affected area afterwards.
Post-procedure recommendation:
- avoid ice,
- avoid steroids three weeks before and four weeks after PRP injection,
- in the case of wearing brace it is recommended to apply antithrombotic prophylaxis,
- If wearing a brace is recommended , it may also be advisable to use crutches,
- avoid anti-inflammatory drugs, In the case of pain it is recommended to take paracetamol,
- rest for two weeks,
- after two weeks start of rehabilitation,
- after four weeks gradual returning to activities.
PRP side effects:
- temporary inflammation,
- temporary pain,
- infection.
Dr. Marcin Goczewski performs platelet rich plasma injections only under ultrasound guidance to ensure precise medicine injection and reduce the risk of complications.
