PRP INJECTION – Platelet Rich Plasma - Injecting platelet-rich plasma

DR. DEPAEPE

1. WHAT

Our blood consists of 55% of a liquid, watery part (plasma) and 45% of blood cells. The blood cells are mainly red blood cells (erythrocytes), supplemented with white blood cells (leucocytes) and platelets (thrombocytes). The watery substance (plasma) contains minerals, carbohydrates, vitamins, fats, hormones and more than a hundred different proteins.

De bloedplaatjes zijn best gekend voor hun functie in de bloedstolling, maar ze bevatten ook een grote hoeveelheid eiwitten (groeifactoren) die een belangrijke rol spelen in de genezing van weefsels. PRP is plasma met een hogere concentratie bloedplaatjes (en groeifactoren) dan normaal. Dit wordt bereid via een centrifuge proces.

The exact mechanism of action is not perfectly known. Laboratory studies have shown that the increased concentration of growth factors in PRP can accelerate the healing process.

2. HOW

After a blood collection, the plasma (with platelets) is separated from the other blood cells (white and red blood cells) via a centrifuge. The concentration of platelets is increased by this process of centrifugation. The remaining fraction of plasma with increased platelet concentration (PRP) is then injected into the joint. The preparation method of the product may be somewhat complex, but the injection into the joint is a “classic injection”. This injection is therefore no more painful than an injection with another product.

3. INDICATIONS

• Chronic tendon injuries: tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee).
• Acute ligament injuries or muscle tears: this can be used in competitive athletes in the hope of improving the recovery process. This can be considered for hamstring injuries, ligamentous knee injuries, ... This therapy mainly receives a lot of attention by professional athletes (e.g. Rafael Nadal, Tiger Woods).
• Osteoarthritis of the knee and shoulder: beneficial effects on pain and swelling are noted after injection of PRP into a joint with wear or cartilage damage.
• Support during a procedure: There is currently little scientific evidence to systematically use PRP during rotator cuff surgery or anterior cruciate ligament repair to accelerate healing.

4. COMPLICATIONS

Since it is a natural product, complications are very rare.

Theoretical complications may include: local allergic reaction, infection or bleeding. Please contact us as soon as possible if you suspect this is happening to you.

5. FACTS

• Can I exercise after an injection? We recommend not to do any intensive physical strain for the first 48 hours. The start of sports activities depends on the underlying injury. Discuss this with your doctor.
• I don't feel any improvement! The effect of a PRP injection is not immediate. Pain relief often only occurs after 6 to 12 weeks.
• How many injections can I get? There is no maximum dose. Usually 1 injection is given. If the result is positive, this can be repeated.
• Price? PRP is een behandeling die niet terugbetaald is door de mutualiteit. De prijs ligt tussen de 100 euro en 150 euro voor een kit.
• No anti-inflammatories in the first 4 weeks after injection. These anti-inflammatories (brufen, apranax, diclofenac, voltaren, mobic, etc.) will counteract the natural healing process of the platelets. In case of pain it is best to use paracetamol.
• Pain after injection. Use ice and paracetamol. This is usually transient and can usually last up to 48 hours.