Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection
Our blood consists of a liquid component known as plasma. It also consists of three main solid components which include the red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. Platelets play an important role in forming blood clots. They also consist of special proteins, known as growth factors, which help with our body’s healing process. Platelet-rich plasma or PRP is a high concentration of platelets and plasma. A normal blood specimen contains only 6% platelets, while platelet-rich plasma contains 94% of platelets and 5 to 10 times the concentration of growth factors found in normal blood, thus greater healing properties.
Indications
PRP is a relatively new method of treatment for several orthopedic conditions such as muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries; arthritis; and fractures. PRP injections can help alleviate painful symptoms, promote healing and delay joint replacement surgeries.
Procedure
Your doctor will first draw about 10 cc of blood from the large vein in your elbow. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge machine for about 10 to 15 minutes to separate the platelets from the remaining blood components.
The injured part of your body is then anesthetized with a local anesthetic. The platelet-rich portion of your blood is then injected into your affected area. In some cases, your doctor may use ultrasound guidance for proper needle placement.
Post-Procedural Care
- It is normal to feel some discomfort at the injection site for a few days after your procedure.
- You will be prescribed pain medications by your doctor.
- You may use cold compresses to alleviate your symptoms.
- You will be instructed to stop any anti-inflammatory medications.
- You may resume your normal activities but should avoid any strenuous activities such as heavy lifting or exercises.
Risks and Complications
There are very minimal risks associated with PRP injections. Some of the potential risks include
- Increased pain at the injection site
- Infection
- Damage to adjacent nerves or tissues
- Formation of scar tissue
- Calcification at the injection site
- Hip Anatomy|
- Hip Pain|
- Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip|
- Snapping Hip|
- Muscle Strain|
- Hip Bursitis|
- Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)|
- Avascular Necrosis|
- Hip Fracture|
- Hip Dislocation|
- Gluteus Medius Tear|
- Hip Labral Tear|
- Chondral Lesions or Injuries|
- Hip Instability|
- Loose Bodies|
- Snapping Hip Syndrome|
- Hip Groin Disorders|
- Hip Distraction|
- Subtrochanteric Hip Fracture|
- Hip Abductor Tears|
- Hip Synovitis|
- Developmental Dysplasia|
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease|
- Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis|
- Irritable Hip|
- Hip Tendonitis|
- Hip Pointers|
- Osteoarthritis of the Hip|
- Inflammatory Arthritis of the Hip|
- Hip Injections|
- Physiotherapy|
- Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection|
- Shock Wave Therapy|
- Total Hip Replacement|
- Revision Hip Replacement|
- Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement|
- Outpatient Hip Replacement|
- Posterior Hip Replacement|
- Hip Implants|
- Direct Superior Approach|
- Minimally Invasive Supra Capsular|
- Hip Hemiarthroplasty|
- Pre-op & Post-op Hip Guidelines|
- Caregivers Guide for the Hip|
- Hip Fracture Prevention|
- After Hip Replacement|
- Core Decompression for Avascular Necrosis of the Hip