Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP consists of a supraphysiological concentration of platelets to provide a locally increased concentration of growth factors and cytokines that are contained within the platelets.

Injected in a joint it is believed to work by recruiting reparative cells and thus enhance healing of damaged cartilage.  It is also used to promote healing of injured tendons.  There is reported in vitro evidence to support those claims but the benefits in vivo remain unclear.

• The process consists in drawing some of the patients own blood and processing it in house
• The PRP is then injected in the joint(s) to be treated with or without the patient being sedated, depending on the targeted joint(s).
• The excess amount of PRP is then preserved for second and third injections at three-week intervals.