Platelet-rich Plasma Injections (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are being used more and more where conservative measures are not effective. A solution is extracted from the patient’s own blood, rich in growth factors which aid tendon healing.
What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?
Blood is made of red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets. Platelets are known to release important molecules called growth factors. The growth factor molecules are known to help bones, ligaments and tendons to heal properly. By injecting these molecules into the injured tendon or ligament, the healing process is improved and the problem gets better over time.
What are the benefits of PRP treatment?
As the materials used in the treatment are extracted from the patient’s own blood, the chance of adverse drug reactions is greatly reduced.
Patients usually experience reduced pain and increased function within four to six weeks, but this depends on the treatment area and the extent of the injury. The longevity is normally more than 1 year. PRP injections can alleviate many of the symptoms of osteoarthritis or injury, and negate or postpone the need for surgery. It can be useful in treating knee, hip, shoulder and ankle arthritis, tendinopathy, tennis elbow, shoulder rotator cuff tear and other common conditions.
How is the PRP injection administered?
Blood is drawn from a vein in the patient’s arm. The blood is then placed into a centrifuge machine that spins at high speed to separate the platelets from the other blood cells. The activated platelets are then injected into the site of the injury.
PRP treatment usually takes place in clinic and is roughly a 30-minute procedure.
What should I expect after the PRP injection?
Following the injection, we would ask you to rest in the hospital for a short period of time. You will have a sterile dressing over the injection site, which should stay in place and be kept clean and dry for 48 hours. You are able to drive home, but some patients prefer to have someone accompany them.
Due to the local anaesthetic, the joint and surrounding area may feel numb after the injection and this may last for a few hours. It is normal to experience an increase in discomfort for 24-48 hours after the injection. Pain relief such as paracetamol can help with this. It is crucial however that you do not use any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication including ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen.
It may be helpful to ice the area for 20 minutes, every 2-3 hours for the first 24-48 hours after the procedure.
If you notice any swelling, redness or warmth in the area or you generally feel unwell, please contact your GP or local casualty department and inform them you have had this injection.
In order to gain maximum benefit from the PRP injection, it is important that you rest the joint for four weeks. Do not lift anything heavier than 2kg, or carry out any repetitive movements that previously aggravated the joint. You will be able to carry out light day to day activities as normal.
It is important that you attend your review appointment in 2-3 weeks following the procedure, so that we can assess the effects of the injection and provide you with additional advice as appropriate. At this stage you will be referred for physiotherapy to start rehabilitation exercises.
What are the possible risks or complications of PRP Injections?
As with all procedures, there is a small amount of risk. These are rare, but you should be aware of them prior to having the procedure. These can include:
- Infection at the site of injection
- An increase in inflammation and pain at the site of injection
- Bleeding and/or bruising
- No relief or worsening of symptoms
- Skin discolouration
- Failure to achieve a successful result
- Injury to the nerves or blood vessels
- Prolonged stiffness and/or pain
