Although blood is mainly a liquid (called plasma), it also contains small solid components (red cells, white cells and platelets). The platelets are best-known for their importance in clotting blood. However, platelets also contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors that are very important in healing physical injuries. PRP is plasma with many more platelets than are typically found in blood. The concentration of platelets – and, thereby, the concentration of growth factors – can be 5 to 10 times greater (or richer) than usual.
How PRP Is Prepared
To develop a PRP preparation, we must first draw blood from a patient. The platelets are separated from other blood cells and their concentration is increased during a process called centrifugation. Then the increased concentration of platelets is combined with the remaining blood to form platelet-rich plasma and injected back into the patient using ultrasound for greater accuracy. Although it is not exactly clear how PRP treatment works, laboratory studies have shown that the increased concentration of growth factors in PRP can potentially speed up the healing process. Indications for PRP treatment are still evolving and now include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Tendon pathology
- Rotator cuff disease
- Ligament injuries
- Fracture healing
- Muscle injuries
Discover the latest and most effective care and treatment for all your orthopedic and sports medicine needs at G.O. Ortho. Call (315) 735-4496 or use our convenient Request an Appointment form. We help patients from New Hartford, Rome, Whitesboro, Clinton, Herkimer and nearby communities.
