Platelet rich plasma is a treatment dedicated to increase the concentration of platelets as well as the associated growth factors. The procedure is used to assist the healing process of musculoskeletal tissues. Growth factors present in platelet rich plasma will help to support in enhancing the cell migration and proliferation. Matrix synthesis provides a compelling basis for the use of PRP for treating and repairing several connective tissue structures.
Connective tissue engineering is a rapidly evolving field in medicine as well as orthopedic surgery. PRP is safe, simple to use, inexpensive and can be available immediately when needed.
Platelet rich plasma is used for:
1. PRP is very helpful in the repair of rotator cuff repairs for small as well as medium tears.
2. Another version of PRP is platelet rich fibrin matrix (PRFM), which is used in knee ligament reconstruction. It routinely used in the repair of ACL and PCL reconstructions as well as multiple ligament knee reconstructions.
3. Another use of PRFM is in patellar tendonosis surgery, and extensor mechanism repair and reconstructions.
4. Used in the treatment of tennis elbow, partial Achilles tendon, patellar tendinosis, and sometimes for partial rotator cuff tears.
Who can under platelet rich plasma?
1. Men or women who are considering primary unilateral surgery or the first surgery of a staged bilateral total knee replacement where the second stage will be at least 6 weeks later PRP in total knee.
2. The patient should be willing to return for follow-up visits for at least six weeks or even longer.
3. Patient accepts to consider by signing an IRB approved informed consent form.
Who can’t under platelet rich plasma?
1. Patients who have had past surgery on the operative knee that requires the removal of existing hardware
2. Patients with significant anxiety disorder
3. Women who are pregnant
4. Patients who are prisoners
5. Patients with hemoglobin less than 11.0 (males) and 12.0 (females)
6. Patients with severe bleeding disorder
7. Patients who are actively involved in biological clinical trials, investigational medical device or drugs
8. Patients who are addicted to alcohol or drugs
9. Patients with a known adverse reaction or sensitivity to bovine thrombin or any other bovine derived products