PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP)
What is PRP?
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Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a product derived from a patient's blood. A sample of the blood is obtained, and centrifuged to isolate the specific growth factors within. What is left is the platelet-rich fluid, containing growth factors, which is then injected into damaged tissue. This is often done under ultrasound-guidance.
What is the Science?
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PRP contains numerous growth factors including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), platelet factor interleukin (IL), platelet-derived angiogenesis factor (PDAF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor IGF and fibronectin (Lubkowska et al.). It is these factors that are thought to promote healing of damaged tissue.
How are the injections performed?
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Each injection is performed in an outpatient, office setting. Dr. Burns uses ultrasound-guidance for each injection, to ensure injection accuracy.
What conditions are treated?
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Rotator cuff damage
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Tennis elbow
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Golfers elbow
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Jumpers Knee
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Joint pain
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Arthritis
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Many others
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Video
Fitzpatrick, Jane, Max Bulsara, and Ming H. Zheng. "The effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of tendinopathy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials." The American journal of sports medicine 45.1 (2017): 226-233.
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Laudy, Augustinus BM, et al. "Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma injections in osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Br J Sports Med 49.10 (2015): 657-672.
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Lubkowska, A., B. Dolegowska, and G. Banfi. "Growth factor content in PRP and their applicability in medicine." J Biol Regul Homeost Agents 26.2 Suppl 1 (2012): 3S-22S.
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Meheux, Carlos J., et al. "Efficacy of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injections in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review." Arthroscopy 32.3 (2016): 495-505.