What is PRP treatment?
PRP is the abbreviation of the initials of the English expression "Platelet Rich Plasma" and means "platelet-rich plasma". PRP treatment is a new method that was initially developed as a cosmetic treatment for anti-aging, but later its healing effect in musculoskeletal diseases was noticed and started to be used in this field. In this method, it is a natural treatment method since the medicine is prepared from the patient's own blood.
PRP injection is not a type of symptom suppressant application, but a method for treating the disease itself.
How is PRP obtained?
Approximately 20 cc of blood is taken from the patient intravenously, containing a specially prepared anti-coagulant drug for this purpose. is taken into the tube. The blood taken is subjected to a special centrifuge process. After the centrifugation process, blood cells other than platelets settle to the bottom of the tube and a yellow plasma liquid rich in platelet cells remains on top. Plasma, which contains approximately 1 million platelet cells per cubic millimeter, is drawn from the region where platelets are more dense at the bottom of this supernatant liquid, into the syringe where the injection will be applied. Finally, before injection, a drug (calcium chloride) that will activate platelets is added to this plasma. PRP is now ready for use and after this stage, it is injected into the knee with the appropriate technique without waiting.
How does PRP work in the body?
The platelet is basically the cell that provides clotting in the blood. Contains growth factor and some natural preservatives. With the PRP method, platelets are activated with the drug added to platelet-enriched plasma. Thus, the healing factors contained in platelets are revealed. Platelet-enriched plasma fluid acts like a natural medicine. It accelerates the healing in that area by stimulating the cells of structures such as tendon cartilage where injury and damage occur. PRP has been shown to have a healing effect on cartilage damage and wear, especially seen in knee arthritis. In such cases, PRP can provide a slower but longer-lasting treatment.
How is PRP applied?
strong>In cases of knee arthritis, it is applied into the knee joint three times, one month apart. In cases such as tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis, and shoulder tendon ruptures, 2 injections are generally administered one month apart. It can be applied for short periods of time together with Na-hyalurinate injections, popularly known as cockscomb or cartilage needle. However, cortisone injection administered at close intervals reduces the healing effect of PRP treatment.
In which diseases is PRP used?
PRP treatment is most commonly used in knee calcification and cartilage damage in the knee. It is used for cartilage wear that occurs at an early age. In addition, it is also used in tennis elbow, shoulder tendon rheumatism and ruptures, Achilles tendinitis and other tendinitis encountered in athletes.
When does the healing effect of PRP treatment begin?
It starts slowly within a few weeks after the injection, and the healing process continues for 3 to 12 months. For this reason, there is no rapid pain relief after PRP injections as in cortisone injections. After PRP injection, especially in knee arthritis, the pain gradually decreases and passes within months. However, the recurrence of complaints after 6 months to 1 year, which is seen in cortisone applications, is not a common situation after PRP treatment. PRP treatment must be supported by knee exercises and weight loss programs. Additionally, the results are even more successful when applied together with physical therapy.
Does PRP application have any side effects?
The PRP method has no side effects. It may only cause temporary pain and slight swelling in the area where it is applied. This effect goes away on its own within a few days and does not cause any harm. In this case, ice application and short-term painkillers can be used.
Although there is not much data on this natural treatment method yet, the results are promising. Ongoing research on PRP treatment gives positive results and its application areas are increasing. Our experiences gained from our practices in our own clinic show that PRP treatment is an effective method in the treatment of knee calcification, which has become one of the most important health problems of our age with the aging society. It shows that it is a powerful alternative to conventional methods.
I wish you all pain-free days, stay healthy
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