At Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics, we are using regenerative medicine to treat patients with arthritis pain who are struggling to find long-lasting relief with conservative treatment, including steroid injections. The hope is to postpone or avoid surgery.
A platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is one of several types of injections we use in regenerative orthopedics to treat knee arthritis pain.
What is a PRP injection – how does it work?
A PRP injection starts with a peripheral blood draw from the arm. That blood is then taken to a centrifuge machine and spun down to isolate certain cells to inject back into the knee. This provides us the best opportunity to decrease inflammation caused by arthritis. The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes.
Does a PRP injection replace the need for surgery?
As with any injection that we do, one of the goals is to postpone surgery as long as possible. This is not expected to be a complete cure, and we may need to repeat it, but the relief lasts much longer than some of our other injection options.
Speaking of other injections, how does this compare with a steroid injection?
PRP injections do not have the negative side effects we see with the steroid injections. It has also shown to provide longer-lasting pain relief — in some cases, up to a year.
What risks and side effects are associated with a PRP injection?
We have not seen any significant side effects or concerns from either the blood draw or the injection itself. The side effects and risks associated with PRP injection are low.
For more information about PRP injections as a treatment option for knee pain, watch the video below:
If you are experiencing knee pain and wish to discuss your treatment options, or to consult with our physicians about your orthopedic health, please make an appointment by calling 913-319-7600.
About the Author: Scott A. Wingerter, M.D., Ph.D. is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint preservation and replacement surgery. His focus is on total joint replacement of the hip and knee, hip resurfacing, partial knee replacement, minimally invasive surgery, and hip arthroscopy.
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The medical information contained in the Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics website is provided to increase your knowledge and understanding of orthopedic conditions. This information should not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific medical or surgical treatment plan. As each patient may have specific symptoms or associated problems, the treatment regimen for a specific patient may not be the proper treatment for another.
Gaining knowledge and understanding of a particular problem or condition is the first step in any medical treatment plan. We believe the information presented on our website will be helpful for those individuals experiencing orthopedic injuries or other musculoskeletal problems. However, this information is not intended to replace the advice of your family physician. You are encouraged to consult with your physician to discuss any course of treatment presented or suggested.
