Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Procedure
Drawing of Blood
Preparation of blood for PRP injection
First, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient's arm. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge that spins the blood for approximately 15 minutes. This step removes the unwanted components of blood that are not primarily responsible for healing including: plasma, WBC's and RBC's. What remains is an increased concentration up to 10x above baseline of platelets, which are rich in healing properties called growth factors. During this time, the patient receives either local anesthetic (injected) or conscious sedation (via IV), as determined beforehand by the physician and patient.
PRP Injection
Using musculoskeletal ultrasound, the area of injury is properly identified and marked. The injection is performed with ultrasound guidance to ensure that the appropriate target is reached within a millimeter.
The patient rests afterwards for 5-10 minutes and is discharged home with post procedure instructions. Increased pain may result for approximately 7 days following the injection which is not uncommon. This represents part of the healing process.
Follow Up
Follow up is usually in 4 weeks, when another ultrasound will be performed to reassess the area of injury. At that time we will determine if a second injection is required. For most cases between 1-3 injections is required at 4 week intervals. However for osteoarthritis injections a 3 injection series is required at 4 week intervals. Patients are encouraged to participate in physical therapy following the injection which enhances recovery.