PRP - its role in orthopaedic surgery
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has revolutionised the field of orthopaedic surgery, as it significantly aids healing and recovery. This technique harnesses the healing properties present in the patient's own blood and has become extremely popular for its ability to improve outcomes in many orthopaedic conditions.
PRP is an autologous blood product that has been concentrated to contain a higher-than-normal number of platelets. These platelets are key players in the body's normal healing processes, as they contain growth factors that are essential for tissue repair and regeneration. Plasma preparation involves taking a small amount of the patient's blood, which is then centrifuged to separate the platelet-rich portion from the other blood components.
How PRP works in healing
The advantage of PRP lies in its high concentration of growth factors, which include:
- platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)
- transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)
- vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
- epidermal growth factor(EGF).
These growth factors stimulate the repair process at the cellular level by increasing cell proliferation, angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and collagen synthesis, all of which are necessary and very important for effective tissue repair.
Applications of PRP in orthopaedic surgery
Osteoarthritis
Platelet-rich plasma is particularly beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis, a common degenerative disease that causes joint pain and mobility problems. PRP injections in affected joints can reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of new cartilage, providing pain relief and better joint function. Research has shown that PRP can more effectively relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis compared to traditional treatments such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid injections.
Tendon and ligament injuries
Orthopaedic conditions involving tendons and ligaments, such as rotator cuff tearscan also be effectively treated with platelet-rich plasma. PRP enhances the body's natural healing response, speeding up the recovery process and reducing the likelihood of future new injuries.
Surgical rehabilitation
PRP can play a key role in rehabilitation after surgery, helping to restore function faster and reduce pain.
The effects of platelet-rich plasma therapy
The effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma therapy is growing, with many patients enjoying its benefits in a variety of orthopaedic applications. However, results may vary depending on the method of PRP preparation, platelet concentration and patient demographics.
One of the key advantages of PRP is its safety profile. As it is a treatment derived from the patient's own blood, the risks of immunological reactions or transmission of infections are minimal. The main risks relate to the injection itself, and can include light pain at the injection site, rarely possible infection or nerve injury.
However, these risks are generally fewer compared to surgical procedures.PRP is a promising alternative to accelerate healing, reduce recovery time and improve overall outcomes for patients.
To learn more about how PRP treatment can be effective for you, contact us at 6943903343 (secretariat), 6949196061 (physician) or orthopedikos-papagiannopoulos.gr and make an appointment.
