FV Hospital is now applying stem cell therapy, in the form of platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, to treat joint degeneration and trauma. This therapy – known as “orthopaedic biology” as it combines modern technology with the natural healing power of the body – is extremely effective, painless and has no side effects. PRP treatment also requires less time than applying other methods such as drugs, physical therapy and surgery.

Advanced therapy

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) technology is an advanced therapy for the recovery of acute and chronic injuries and can be used in the treatment and regeneration of tissues in the body through a variety of mechanisms. Many works have been published on the use of PRP in various fields, including orthopaedics, dentistry, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, urology and aesthetics. Many athletes, such as golfer Tiger Woods and tennis star Rafael Nadal, have received PRP treatment for knee sprains and chronic tendon trauma and recognise that PRP helps them to recover and return to competition more quickly.

PRP is plasma with five to ten times (or sometimes higher) more platelets than that found in regular blood. In preparation for PRP, the doctor first draws blood from the patient and separates the platelets from the blood cells, increasing their concentration in a centrifuge. An increased base level of platelets provides significant additional growth factors that potentially enhance the healing process and restoration of tissues. Several studies have demonstrated that PRP injected directly into the joints is promising in the treatment of osteoarthritis as PRP contains anti-inflammatory and growth factors which promote the proliferation of articular cartilage. Casualties and side effects are almost eliminated, with the exception that, in some cases, patients experience localised pain or discomfort for a few days after injection.

Optimal treatment effect, minimised cost

The biological effects of PRP on tissue renewal are significant, with published works indicating that platelet-rich plasma offers excellent pain relief in the treated area.

PRP has become a recommended method of treatment for arthritis and skin diseases due to a number of advantages.

PRP:

• Has no side effects
• Increases soft tissue and bone regeneration
• Supports angiogenesis (the development of new blood vessels)
• Increases collagen synthesis and skin rejuvenation
• Reduces scarring
• Increases blood coagulation (decreasing surgery-related bleeding )
• Reduces the negative impacts of glucocorticoids on healing (glucocorticoids can cause rupturing of wounds along surgical incisions, increase the risk of wound infection, and delay healing of open wounds)
• Reduces risk of infection by increasing the white blood cell count
• Assists early wound closure and rapid healing of scars
• Reduces the risk of infection as PRP is extracted from the patient’s own blood.

PRP therapy is very effective in the treatment of arthropathy (joint disease), especially in cases of joint degeneration and trauma. It helps to alleviate pain, increase mobility and reduce the threat of stroke during treatment.

By offering this new approach, FV Hospital hopes that more patients suffering from joint problems can enjoy living pain-free at an affordable cost.