Handsport.us

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are indicated for the treatment of difficult, chronic Tendinitis
around the hand, wrist, and upper arm, including Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) and Golfer’s Elbow
(Medial Epicondylitis). These types of tissue have limited blood supplies so they heal slowly. In these
instances, steroid injections are marginally effective or contra-indicated.
What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)? PRP is formulated by drawing a small amount (about 10 ml) of the
patient’s own blood and spinning it in a centrifuge for five minutes. This separates the red and white blood
cells, leaving a solution containing the concentrated platelets. This solution contains an average of two to
five times the number of platelets and two to twenty-five times the amount of various growth factors as
compared to the same amount of the patient’s whole blood.
After injury the body rushes many types of cells, including platelets, to the damaged area. This solution,
containing concentrated growth factors, initiates and accelerates wound healing. Studies that have been
done on patients after PRP injections suggest a facilitated healing response resulting from introduction of a
greater amount of growth factors into the damaged tissue.
What is the treatment process? After the reduction process described above, the plasma containing
platelets with growth factors is injected into the site of the injured tissue. The entire process takes less than
twenty minutes, including drawing the patient’s blood, centrifuging it, and then injecting a plasma portion
into the injured site.
What happens afterward? The patient can expect some soreness for about forty eight hours following the
injection. Mild analgesic medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) with or without Codeine can be
used to treat discomfort.
Non-steroidal antiinflammatory medications are prohibited for one week afterward, as they interfere with
the action of the PRP.
A follow-up appointment after the injection will be made with Dr. Pruzansky. It is recommended that
physical activity involving the affected limb be limited for twenty-four hours. A stretching program
directed by Dr. Pruzansky and a Physical Therapist should be followed for two weeks. Four weeks post-
injection, the patient may return to recreational activity and sports, as tolerated. Improvement over several
months is anticipated as the tissue heals in response to the stimulus from the growth factors.
Is it safe? No negative effects have been reported in any of the completed studies. This process uses the
patient’s own blood, thereby eliminating any chance of rejection response and minimizes the possibility of
infection.
Does it work? The PRP injections have been used in several studies, as well as on Professional Athletes.
Patients have reported an average of 60% pain reduction after two months and 80% improvement after six
months time.

Source: http://handsport.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/platelet.pdf