Platelet-rich plasma injections
NEW EFFECTIVE METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF ARTHROSIS AND TISSUE DAMAGE
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a blood serum with an increased concentration of platelets and growth factors, which accelerate the process of tissue regeneration in acute and chronic injuries.
In recent years, the method of treating tissue damage with PRP injections has become increasingly popular in sports medicine, orthopedics, and dentistry.
This method has proven to be effective in reducing pain in arthrosis of the knee joints, in the regeneration of tendons and muscles after sports injuries.
IN WHAT CASES IS INJECTION OF GROWTH FACTORS EFFECTIVE?
- Diseases, damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments: tendinitis, tendinosis, enthesopathy, epicondylitis
- * Treatment of osteoarthritis, cartilage damage after trauma
- For faster tissue healing after surgery: arthroscopic operations, restoration of ligaments, muscles, tendons
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TREATMENT WITH PLATE-RICH PLASMA INJECTIONS?
- Non-surgical method: does not injure the patient, like surgical methods of treatment, does not require special preparation and hospitalization of the patient
- Reduces the risk of relapse - repeated exacerbations of the disease
- The rate of progression of the disease decreases
- It is performed under ultrasound control, which guarantees accuracy of hitting damaged tissues
- Greater safety compared to injections of hormonal drugs - fewer adverse reactions
- The body's own healing factors are used
HOW ARE GROWTH FACTORS INJECTED?
The preparation of platelet-rich plasma is carried out directly in our Medical Center.
This requires 20 ml of the patient's own blood, the blood is drawn into a special prp tubes and placed in a prp centrifuge.
In a centrifuge, thanks to centrifugal force, whole blood is separated into layers containing red blood cells, platelets and lymphocytes.
The centrifugation procedure allows you to obtain 2-3 ml of platelet-rich plasma containing the required number of platelets and growth factors.
The method of obtaining the final product is carried out in a closed cycle, without blood contact with the surrounding air, which excludes any contamination from the external environment.
Next, the doctor injects the obtained concentrate of platelets and growth factors directly into the site of injury under the control of an ultrasound machine for accurate visualization.
ARE THERE ANY CONTRAINDICATIONS TO PERFORMING THE INJECTION?
A contraindication for performing an injection may be a local infectious inflammation of the joint or soft tissues, an unsuitable skin condition - dermatitis, wounds, scratching.
Also, injections of blood components are not given to patients with signs of inflammation or infection.
COULD THERE BE UNPLEASANT FEELINGS DURING AND AFTER THE INJECTION?
The introduction of your own plasma into tissues is a safe procedure with a minimum of side or unwanted effects.
At the time of the injection into the soft tissues (tendons / ligaments), there is a feeling of distention in the tissues; during the injection into the joint cavity, these sensations are not observed.
As a rule, these are the only unpleasant sensations that the patient notes.
After the injection, within 1-2 days, some patients notice a feeling of slight stiffness, excess fluid in the joint.
However, after 1-2 days, these sensations completely disappear.
HOW MANY INJECTIONS DO YOU NEED TO PERFORM AND WHAT IS THE INTERVAL BETWEEN INJECTIONS?
The number of injections assigned to one area depends on the clinical situation: type of injury, localization, degree and stage of the disease.
According to carried out on patients with degenerative arthrosis (osteoarthritis) of the knee joint, the recommended number of injections is from 3 to 5, with an interval of 2 weeks between injections.
For muscle ruptures, ligament or tendon injuries, it is recommended to perform 1 to 3 injections of platelet-rich plasma at intervals of 1 to 2 weeks.
In cases of chronic ruptures, chronic stages of the disease, it is recommended to perform 5 injections.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A PLATE-RICH PLASMA INJECTION?
Before the first injection, the doctor prescribes a blood test for the presence of acute phase indicators, possible infections.
Immediately before the injection procedure, it is advisable to refrain from taking fatty, fried foods, alcohol.
This will avoid the presence of unwanted elements in the blood plasma.
It is not recommended to take any food 4 hours before the procedure, it is allowed to drink water or other liquids.
WHAT IS BETTER: HORMONE INJECTION OR GROWTH INJECTION?
Hormonal drugs perform only one function - they reduce inflammation, and, therefore, have a pronounced analgesic effect.
At the same time, it does not affect the healing of injuries, does not improve the structure and strength of tissues, and does not prevent repeated damage.
For many patients, after the injection of hormones, it becomes easier for only a short time, but soon the pain returns again and the next injection is needed.
However, frequent administration of hormones is very dangerous.
The World Health Organization recommends that hormones be injected no more than 3 times a year, otherwise, instead of a therapeutic effect, hormones have a damaging effect on tissues.
It must be remembered that hormones should be used only for absolute indications and under the close supervision of the attending physician.
Unlike hormones, injections of growth factors not only reduce pain and inflammation, but also stimulate the regeneration of one's own tissue, affecting the cause of their occurrence - damage.
Growth factors start the processes of regeneration of damaged tissues, stimulate the synthesis of components necessary for the healing and restoration of tissue structure, restore the integrity and strengthen the strength of muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones.
In any case, each method of treatment has its own clear indications.
The doctor is responsible for the choice of a particular method of treatment, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient, the stage of the disease.
