PRP Injections
Mr Prakash consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Birmingham
PRP Injections in Birmingham
Prof Prakash specialises in management of knee and hip joint problems especially for young adults (age 20-65). He places great emphasis on joint preservation and one of his key focuses is on PRP Injections. And other biological procedures.
PRP Injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a part of a patient’s own blood. The plasma has a high concentration of platelets, a particular type of cell present in all individuals, hence its name “Platelet-Rich Plasma”.
PRP injections are used to treat conditions like
- Mild to moderate arthritis especially of the knee
- Inflamed tendons
- Inflamed ligaments
- Injured and strained muscles
It has been shown to accelerate the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints as it has a high concentration of growth factors. PRP injections use each individual patient’s own blood cells to help with the recovery of various musculoskeletal problems.
Platelet-rich plasma has been found to significantly enhance the healing process, and its use is becoming increasingly common for conditions like tendonitis and even early arthritis. After the injection, a patient must avoid exercise for a short period of time before beginning a rehabilitation exercise program. Use of anti-inflammatory medication is also recommended to be reduced for about three weeks after the injection.
Prof Prakash normally performs the procedure in outpatient setting. PRP injections are prepared by taking patient’s own blood and centrifuging it to concentrate the platelets. The plasma, with high concentration of platelets, is then injected directly into the injured or diseased part of the body. This releases the growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells the body normally produces. In total the procedure should last around 10-15 minutes. PRP relieves pain without the risks of surgery, general anaesthesia, or hospital stays and without a prolonged recovery. Prof Prakash recommends that patients should have three PRP injections at weekly intervals as studies have shown that this is more effective than one single injection.
Advantages of PRP injections include reduction in the need for anti-inflammatories or stronger medications. The adverse effects of PRP injections are very limited because, since the injections are created from the patient’s own blood, the body will not reject or react negatively to them. As with any injection, there is a very small risk of infection.
Some early-stage clinical studies in humans have been promising, but are limited by their study design and few patients. In a small study involving knee osteoarthritis, PRP treatment was shown to be more effective than hyaluronic acid treatment.
Prof Prakash has been using PRP injections for his patients since 2018 with very good results. He has many patients who opt for injections of PRP to delay knee replacement surgery. PRP injections have been shown to be superior to injections of hyaluronic acid in many studies. The These injections are very safe, carrying a minimal risk of infection, as with any other injection, and are not known to have any adverse effects.
In summary:
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is prepared from a patient’s own blood.
PRP is a concentrated source of growth factors which helps healing
Researches indicate that PRP treatment may improve healing in many tissues
Further read : https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/platelet-rich-plasma-prp/