Another commonly used orthobiologic is platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This material is usually isolated after a routine blood draw. A centrifuge is used to isolate the portion of blood that contains a variety of chemicals (growth factors, enzyme inhibitors, and cytokines) that assists and modulates healing processes. This material does not contain healing processes but can be used alone or along with reparative cells (such as stem cells) to supplement and stimulate healing of damaged or diseased tissues.
Orthopedic Diseases Treated With PRP
A variety of disease and injuries can be treated with platelet rich plasma (PRP). Orthopedic conditions that have been treated and studies using PRP include acute and chronic injuries of muscle, tendon, ligaments, bone, and cartilage. Some specific conditions that can be treated with PRP include:
- Mild to moderate osteoarthritis/degenerative arthritis of joints, especially the hip and knee
- Tendon injuries, including partial tears of the rotator cuff of the shoulder
- Back pain related to degenerative disc and facet joint
