What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?

Platelet rich plasma is derived from peripheral blood (blood that is circulating throughout the body). Whole blood is processed to increase the concentration of platelets in a small volume of plasma. This preparation is typically used for therapeutic injection. Platelets are the body’s natural clotting factor; platelets are also rich is growth factors (transforming growth factor-b, platelet-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, etc.). These factors are known to promote the growth and repair of musculoskeletal tissues.

How is PRP therapy done?

PRP therapy is typically performed in the office setting. Patients undergo a simple peripheral blood draw; the blood is spun to concentrate the platelets for injection into the affected area. In cases of joint inflammation, synovitis, arthritis, and cartilage injury, it is recommended that patients undergo three PRP injections. These injections are typically spaced approximately 2 weeks apart. This regimen can be indicated as a stand-alone treatment, or as an associated treatment coordinated with a surgical procedure. In cases of muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries, Dr. Williams will make a specific recommendation on the frequency of PRP treatment based on the specific injury in question.

Who are candidates for platelet rich plasma (PRP)?

The best candidates that can benefit from  PRP treatment  include patients who have the following

  • Knee or shoulder joint inflammation
  • Early arthritis
  • Synovitis
  • Cartilage injuries
  • Muscle injuries
  • Ligament sprains
  • Tendon injuries

Studies Supporting PRP – Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy:

Knee cartilage injury, arthritis, joint inflammation:

Cerza et al. Am J Sports Med. 2012. 40(12):2822-7.Riboh et al. Am J Sports Med. 2016. 44(3):792-800. Patel et al. Am J Sports Med.2013. 41(2):356-64.Cole et al. Am J Sports Med.2016 45(2):339-346.
Kon et al. Arthroscopy. 2011. 27(11):1490-501.Kon et al. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 18(4):472-9. Siclari et al. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 22(6):1225-34.Lee et al. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2013. 23(5):581-7.

Tendinopathy:

Charousset et al. Am J Sports Med. 2014. 42(4):906-11.Dragoo et al. Am J Sports Med. 2014. 42(3):610-8.
Vetrano et al. Am J Sports Med. 2013. 41(4):795-803.Zayni et al. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2015. 3;5(2):92-8.

For more information about platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy and how orthopedic conditions can be treated with innovative biologic medicine, please contact the office of Riley J. Williams, MD, orthopedic knee surgeon serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City, NY and surrounding areas.  

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HSS Sports Medicine Institute West Side
610 W 58th Street
New York, NY 10019

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148 39th Street, 7th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11232

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