Platelets rich in growth factor PRP are now a well-established therapeutic method for the treatment of many orthopedic diseases. It belongs to the field of regenerative medicine among with stem cell and autologous protein therapies. The goal of PRP therapy is to improve the process of tissue repair by the transport and deposition of bioactive agents that will influence the physiological mechanisms of inflammation, angiogenesis, and assist in the formation and synthesis of the matrix.

The most common applications of PRP are found in the treatment of mild to moderate arthritis (osteoarthritis) as well as in Sports Medicine to treat traumatic lesion of the articular cartilage, muscles, tendons and ligaments trauma as well as meniscus ruptures.

Cartilage loss is not considered the key pathological process that causes knee osteoarthritis. The initiating factor seems to be the result of a malfunction present in the whole joint, including all tissues crucial for maintaining articular homeostasis. The management of articular cartilage injuries remains one of the most important and interesting chapters of Orthopedics to this day. Articular cartilage regeneration is the goal of modern therapeutic approaches because the articular cartilage does not have an identical regenerative capacity.

PRPs have proven their protective and anti-inflammatory properties on articular cartilage. Intra-articular injections with PRP transport many bioactive mediators into an autologous fibrin network, which are gradually released and improve pain, mobility and stiffness of the affected joint.

Platelet-derived growth factors, along with plasma growth factors (hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1)), stimulate cell proliferation as well as migration and matrix synthesis. Thus, PRP injection delivers growth factors locally while simultaneously mimicking and enhancing the spontaneous therapeutic response in injured areas and in special cell niches which would otherwise be inaccessible.

Recent studies highlight the important role of the subchondral bone in the role of arthritis. Separation of subchondral bone with articular cartilage appears to disrupt joint homeostasis by creating an inflammatory environment. Injecting PRP into the hypodermic bone helps restore the balance of articular homeostasis because growth factors aid the mechanical and biological connectivity of the tissues (transforming growth factor-b).

The treatment with autologous plasma rich in growth factors takes place in the doctor's office and its duration does not exceed 30 minutes. The Orthopedist will receive 10 ml of blood from the patient, which will be processed by isolating the plasma that contains the platelets. They are then injected into the affected joint. The whole procedure can be repeated in 20 days as well as combined with the injections of hyaluronic acid and collagen.

The patient should remain rested for the next two days after the infusion. You should also avoid using anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone for 20 days. The PRP method is a well-established therapeutic approach for treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis in any joint of the body. It is completely safe and painless.

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