What is it?

Platelet rich plasma therapy is when a patient’s own blood platelets are injected into the injured area with the aim of provoking the body’s own healing process and to decrease pain. This procedure may be recommended to treat chronic degeneration of the tendon called tendinosis. This is caused by an accumulation of microscopic injuries to the tendon over time. The damage can result in pain and disability.

Our platelets have an important role in the natural healing of wounds and bone defects as they contain various natural growth factors. Platelet rich plasma therapy is used as an alternative treatment method for orthopaedic conditions which have traditionally required surgery including:

• Tendinosis
• Mild to moderate osteoarthritis

Diagnosis and treatment options

Your consultant will take a detailed history of your symptoms, followed by a thorough examination of your knee. You might need some additional tests:

• X-ray
• Ultrasound scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

The procedure involves a small amount of blood being taken from the patient which is then placed in a centrifuge which spins and separates the platelets from the rest of the blood. The patient's platelets are then collected into a highly concentrated formula which is injected into the injured area. When platelets become activated, growth factors are released with the aim of initiating the body’s natural healing response.

PRP injections are routinely performed in the clinic as an outpatient procedure.