What is PRP injection?

PRP: Platelet-rich plasma

It is blood plasma concentrated in platelets, obtained by centrifuging autologous blood (your blood), usually taken from the elbow. In blood, platelets are the components that cause healing and clotting. A machine (centrifuge) is used to increase the concentration of platelets in the injected product to stimulate tissue repair. The concentration is very different depending on the method used.

How does the test work? The test is done in two stages:

• The first step is to take a blood sample. A few milliliters are usually taken from the elbow in a special disposable device (tube) provided by the clinic. The technician takes the sample. The tube is then centrifuged for a few minutes and the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is collected in a syringe.
• The second step is an intra-articular injection, sometimes under ultrasound or X-ray control, into the area to be treated under the recommended aseptic conditions. After 10 minutes of rest, the patient goes home. After the examination or after the injection: Local pain may occur in the days following the procedure. This can be treated with painkillers such as paracetamol. Anti-inflammatory drugs are not indicated as they reduce the effectiveness of the platelet concentrate.

Physiotherapy can be restarted a few days after the injection. You will be examined after 3-4 weeks to see if a new injection is indicated. In practice, 1 to 3 injections at 1 month intervals may be necessary. New and promising protocols (Porto protocol) combine PRP and hyaluronic acid.