Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments have become an emerging trend in healing for a variety of orthopedic ailments. While social media is abuzz with the possibilities, the information being shared does not always line up with the realities of what PRP can do. The surgeons of Mid-Tennessee Bone and Joint are familiar with PRP treatments and know firsthand how they work and what the procedure is capable of.
Dr. Scott McCall has performed these specialty treatments in our office and in surgery. The procedure is relatively easy and takes approximately 10 minutes. Blood is drawn from the patient in a routine manner and put into a centrifuge to isolate the plasma. The plasma is drawn up into a new syringe and injected into the patient’s joint, much like receiving a cortisone or viscosupplement injection.
Dr. McCall says the patients who will most benefit from PRP are young and experience tendonitis or chronic inflammation in the knee, foot, elbow, or shoulder (rotator cuff). PRP has been shown to reduce inflammation in those areas and boost healing. Arthritis treatments have long benefited from steroids, such as cortisone, prednisone, and corticosteroids. PRP hasn’t been shown to be as effective in treatment of arthritis.
Even though PRP treatments have been soaring in popularity lately, the technology itself is not necessarily new. Dr. McCall has performed the treatments as part of his surgeries for the last eight years in patients with partial tendon tears. He injects the PRP intraoperatively during surgery to aid in healing and improve recovery time.
It is important to state that PRP is not proven to regrow any tissue, whether cartilage, tendons, or muscle. It also doesn’t help patients whose joints are bone on bone and could benefit instead from a total joint replacement. Additionally, PRP treatment is not a benefit that is currently covered by insurance. The cost of the procedure can vary and is paid out of pocket by the patient prior to the treatments.
Our surgeons are happy to discuss the possibilities of PRP to see how you can benefit. To schedule an appointment, call our office at 931-381-2663.
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