Sports Medicine
T1 - Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) – muscle & joints
The extraction and use of platelet rich plasma (PRP) from blood is now the most common procedure and treatment in a sports medicine physician’s clinic. The use of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) for osteoarthritis especially for knee joints; muscle tears and ligament sprains etc is common practice. It enhances healing due to the high concentration of growth factors. It demands meticulous and highly experienced hands that would determine the success of PRP Injections.
How is the procedure done?
The procedure involves drawing a small amount of blood from the patient and extracting the platelet rich plasma that are high in growth factors and injecting it back to the same patient.
Hence no allergy or side-effects as it is the product of its own body though outcomes may vary.
The example of muscle and tendon or ligament injuries are ACL and meniscus tears of knee, planter fasciitis, trigger fingers etc are common.
The Sports Medicine Specialist would evaluate the degree of discomfort and pain and the outcome of radiological scans as well as clinical examination to initiate the type of treatment suitable to the patient. A decision is crucial whether surgery or otherwise conservative therapy is essential on a case to case basis.