Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Overview and Applications

Clinical Applications
PRP injections are increasingly utilized in orthopedics, pain management, aesthetic dermatology, and reconstructive surgery. Derived from the patients own blood, PRP aims to enhance tissue repair by delivering the patients own concentrated growth factors directly to the site of injury or arthritis.

Mechanism of Action
PRP consists of plasma enriched with a high concentration of platelets, which release growth factors (e.g., PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF) that modulate inflammation, angiogenesis, and cellular proliferation. The preparation involves centrifugation of the patient’s blood to isolate and concentrate platelets.

Injection Procedure
After centrifugation, PRP is injected into target tissues (e.g., joints, tendons, scalp), often under ultrasound guidance. The goal is to enhance the local tissue environment to promote healing, suppress inflammation, and trigger regeneration. Mechanistic pathways remain incompletely understood, though early evidence supports enhanced fibroblast and chondrocyte activity.

Therapeutic Indications

• Orthopedic Injuries: Arthritis and joint degeneration, chronic tendinopathies (e.g., tennis elbow or rotator cuff pathology), muscle strains, and ligament injuries.
• Before and After Surgery: Facilitates soft tissue and musculoskeletal healing.
• Osteoarthritis: May reduce synovial inflammation and pain and improve function.
• Hair Restoration: Stimulates hair follicles in androgenic alopecia; supports post-transplant regrowth.
• Cosmetic Use: Employed in facial rejuvenation

Efficacy Timeline
Clinical effects manifest gradually and may take up to 6 weeks for joints and up to six months for scalp applications. Repeat injections are often necessary.

Safety Profile
PRP is generally well-tolerated due to its autologous nature. Common side effects include localized pain, swelling, and bruising. Rare complications include infection, nerve injury, bleeding, or tissue damage.

Pre-Procedure Guidelines
Patients should be well-hydrated and consume a meal before the procedure to reduce the risk of lightheadedness during the blood draw. Discontinue all anti-inflammatory medications at least 5 days prior. Corticosteroids should be avoided for a minimum of 14 days, as they may impair platelet activity and compromise PRP effectiveness.

Post-Procedure Guidelines
Transient soreness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site is common and typically resolves without intervention. Heat may be used to relieve discomfort. Avoid vigorous activity and refrain from using anti-inflammatory agents, including NSAIDs, for 5 days post-procedure to preserve the regenerative potential of PRP. Follow-up is recommended to assess therapeutic response and determine the need for further treatment.

Contact a Key West orthopedic clinic or reach out to Dr. Jason Pirozzolo.