Platelets are cellular structures found in blood and involved in the process of tissue healing and repair. Platelet rich plasma (or PRP) is blood plasma augmented with platelets. This mixture also contains growth factors and chemicals known as cytokines. The use of PRP has been adopted in many medical fields including cosmetic surgery, pain management and dentistry among others. In this article we will look at how platelet rich plasma therapy is used in Vaughan.
The preparation of PRP starts with the drawing of blood from the patient. The next step is double centrifugation which separates the cellular components of blood (red cells and while cells) and plasma (mixed with platelets). The platelets that are collected together with the plasma are augmented with calcium chloride and thrombin. Cytokine and growth factors found in PRP include insulin-like growth factors, fibroblast growth factor, interleukin 8 and connective tissue growth factor among others.
The PRP is injected directly into the area of interest under the guidance of ultrasound to increase the accuracy. Examples of conditions that have been managed successfully using the therapy include osteoarthritis, ankle sprains, rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, ligament sprains, pelvic pain, cardiac muscle injuries and plantar fasciitis among others. The PRP therapy may be used in isolation or in combination with other modalities depending on the condition that is involved.
One of the most modern applications of this therapy is the use in the treatment of sport related injuries. This use was faced with uncertainty at some point due to fears that it may be breaching anti-doping laws. Extensive research by regularly bodies has not found any likelihood that the therapy gives athletes a competitive advantage which has given it a green light for the time being.
The procedure is usually done in a few hours. It can be safely performed in an outpatient clinic since there is no need of anesthesia. Improvements will be noted on the same day and one can resume their regular activities immediately. The number of injections that are needed vary depending on the condition that is being managed and its severity. On average one to three injections are administered in six months.
Rarely, injections may be followed up by pain in the area in which they are administered. This normally resolves within a couple of days but may persist in a small proportion of people. The pain is likely to be experienced by persons in whom injections take place into tendons. The presence of the plasma in the tendons irritates an already diseased tendon. In such cases, the pain will resolve after some weeks.
There are some situations in which the administration of PRP should be with caution due to possible complications. One of such situations is where the patient is a heavy smoker. The nicotine found in tobacco delays healing and may increase the risk of bleeding following the injection. Medical conditions that present potential risks include sepsis, thrombocytopenia, skin cancers, liver disease and reduced fibrinogen levels among others.
Platelet rich plasma is used for the management of a number of medical and surgical conditions. Since it involves the use of your own cells, the risk of reactions is non-existent as opposed to many other forms of treatment. The list of conditions managed by the therapy continues to grow with time as more research is conducted. To find out whether you are a suitable candidate, have a discussion with your doctor.
The preparation of PRP starts with the drawing of blood from the patient. The next step is double centrifugation which separates the cellular components of blood (red cells and while cells) and plasma (mixed with platelets). The platelets that are collected together with the plasma are augmented with calcium chloride and thrombin. Cytokine and growth factors found in PRP include insulin-like growth factors, fibroblast growth factor, interleukin 8 and connective tissue growth factor among others.
The PRP is injected directly into the area of interest under the guidance of ultrasound to increase the accuracy. Examples of conditions that have been managed successfully using the therapy include osteoarthritis, ankle sprains, rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, ligament sprains, pelvic pain, cardiac muscle injuries and plantar fasciitis among others. The PRP therapy may be used in isolation or in combination with other modalities depending on the condition that is involved.
One of the most modern applications of this therapy is the use in the treatment of sport related injuries. This use was faced with uncertainty at some point due to fears that it may be breaching anti-doping laws. Extensive research by regularly bodies has not found any likelihood that the therapy gives athletes a competitive advantage which has given it a green light for the time being.
The procedure is usually done in a few hours. It can be safely performed in an outpatient clinic since there is no need of anesthesia. Improvements will be noted on the same day and one can resume their regular activities immediately. The number of injections that are needed vary depending on the condition that is being managed and its severity. On average one to three injections are administered in six months.
Rarely, injections may be followed up by pain in the area in which they are administered. This normally resolves within a couple of days but may persist in a small proportion of people. The pain is likely to be experienced by persons in whom injections take place into tendons. The presence of the plasma in the tendons irritates an already diseased tendon. In such cases, the pain will resolve after some weeks.
There are some situations in which the administration of PRP should be with caution due to possible complications. One of such situations is where the patient is a heavy smoker. The nicotine found in tobacco delays healing and may increase the risk of bleeding following the injection. Medical conditions that present potential risks include sepsis, thrombocytopenia, skin cancers, liver disease and reduced fibrinogen levels among others.
Platelet rich plasma is used for the management of a number of medical and surgical conditions. Since it involves the use of your own cells, the risk of reactions is non-existent as opposed to many other forms of treatment. The list of conditions managed by the therapy continues to grow with time as more research is conducted. To find out whether you are a suitable candidate, have a discussion with your doctor.
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