Injured or damaged cartilage typically does not heal or repair on its own, but there are a few options available for repair and regeneration.
These treatment options can be performed on almost any joint, but they are most commonly performed on knees. They are better suited for people who have specific and mild to moderate cartilage injuries rather than widespread severe cartilage damage, similar to what is found in late stage arthritis.
Surgical treatment options involve arthroplasty, artthroplasy, replacement and likely less invasive is antechnique using the micro fracture to try and stimulate repair and regeneration. However, to the point of this article we are going to focus on orthopaedic biological treatments.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP injections are performed as an outpatient procedure. Whereby a small sample of blood is taken to extract platelets for treatment.
An experienced clinicia should perform PRP injections. The platelet-rich plasma typically stimulates a series of biological responses, including pro-inflammation. It’s is used to facilitate healing and recovery. Although not considered standard practice in the NHS, a growing number of people are turning to PRP injections to treat an expanding list of orthopaedic conditions, including osteoarthritis. It is most commonly used for knee injuries but may be used on other joints as well.
When treating joint pain with platelet-rich plasma, am experienced clinician will inject PRP directly into the affected joint with the aim to:
- Reduce pain
- Improve joint function
- Slow the progression of degenerative changes Allow for repair of damaged cartilage
Platelet-rich plasma is derived from a sample of the patient's own blood. The therapeutic injections contain plasma with a high concentration of platelets five times higher than what is found in the blood.
What is plasma?
Plasma refers to the liquid component of blood; containing a transportation system for red and white blood cells and other material traveling in the blood stream. Plasma is mostly water but also includes proteins, nutrients, glucose, and antibodies, among other components.
What are platelets?
Platelets secrete substances called growth factors and other proteins that regulate cell division, stimulate tissue regeneration, and promote healing. Platelets also help the blood to clot.
What Does Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment Do?
PRP therapy is frequently used to treat chronic injury, joint pain or osteoarthritis. It is a pro inflammatory treatment used to facilitate healing, Inhibit inflammation and slow down the progression degenerative changes. Stimulate the formation of new cartilage and Increase the production of natural lubricating fluid in the joint, thereby reducing friction which can cause further degradation. PRP treatment is also thought to contain proteins that alter a patient's pain receptors and reduce pain sensation.
Get in touch to find out further information on how PRP treatment works and if you are a good candidate. Schedule FREE consultation to find out more.
Here at Dynamic Osteopaths we are working in colaboration with Dynamic Regenerative Medicine offering these treatments out of Birmingham, Solihull and Bromgrove.
www.dynamicosteopaths.com
Further information www.dynamicregenmedicine.co.uk