Platelet Rich Plasma

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a therapeutic injection of concentrated platelet cells drawn from a patient's own blood. PRP contains the platelets and plasma portion of blood that is essential for cell and tissue healing. After a blood sample is drawn from the patient, it is spun in a centrifuge to separate the PRP. PRP is delivered through an injection to the area in need of healing. Several basic science studies suggest that PRP treatment can improve healing soft tissue and bone such as the Achilles tendon, calf muscle, lateral epicondyle, and patellar tendon. PRP also has been shown to have positive effects in knee osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, and ligament injuries. It is often used to augment healing in an ACL reconstruction or meniscus repair.

Common Questions About Platelet Rich Plasma

What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Plasma is the clear, liquid, portion of blood that contains red blood cells, white blood cells, antibodies, and platelets. Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP, is plasma that has a three to five times greater concentration of platelets than normal blood.

How is PRP created/made/prepared?

Blood is drawn from the patient and then centrifuged in order to separate the platelets from other components in the blood. This leaves us with a concentrated solution of platelets that can be combined with the remaining blood and then injected into the site of interest.

How does PRP work?

Theoretically, PRP works because of growth factors in platelets. By concentrating platelets, the concentration of growth factors is also increased, which can potentially expedite the healing process.

Does PRP work?

There is currently no definite answer on the overall efficacy of PRP. While laboratory studies have demonstrated that PRP has the potential to accelerate the healing process, clinical studies are inconclusive.