With each movement, you are reminded of the pain from osteoarthritis. The medications and therapy have not eased the pain. Your doctor recommended PRP. What is osteoarthritis? What is PRP? What three joints benefit from PRP for Osteoarthritis? Let’s dig in.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
To discuss PRP for Osteoarthritis we need to define Osteoarthritis. Arthritis is a general term for painful conditions that involve one or more body joints such as the knee and hip. Most types of arthritis involve pain, swelling, and stiffness. There are more than 100 types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting more than 30 million adults in the united states (1). It involves the breakdown of the protective cartilage. In 2013 osteoarthritis was the second most expensive condition treated in US hospitals accounting for more than $165 billion in hospital costs (2). Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, and gout.
PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. Platelets are blood cells that prevent bleeding. They contain important growth factors that aid in healing. Plasma is the light yellow liquid portion of our blood. So PRP is simply a concentration of a patient’s own platelets that are suspended in plasma and are used to accelerate healing. PRP is NOT stem cell therapy. Regrettably, blood contains few circulating stem cells. Rich sources of stem cells are bone marrow and fat.
PRP is rich in growth factors. There are many different types of growth factors with different properties. VEGF is a very important one as it can increase the blood flow to an area. Blood flow brings important nutrients to damaged tissue and can stimulate repair and healing. Regrettably, tendons, ligaments, and most parts of the spine have a poor blood supply. This makes injuries difficult to heal. PRP can facilitate repair and healing by increasing the amount of blood flow.
To learn more about PRP please click on the video below.
3 Joints that Benefit from PRP for Osteoarthritis
Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is typically the result of wear and tear and progressive loss of the protective cartilage. Approximately 13% of women and 10% of men aged 60 years and older have symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (3). Risk factors for knee osteoarthritis include old age, female gender, obesity, knee injuries, muscle weakness, and ligament laxity (4). Is PRP effective in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis? ABSOLUTELY!! To date, there are 27 randomized control studies on PRP injections in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. A previous blog discussed PRP for Osteoarthritis of the Knee at length. Key Points:
PRP is superior to steroids in reducing pain and increasing function (5, 6)
PRP is superior to exercise alone (7)
PRP was superior to lubricant knee injections (8)
PRP can delay the need for knee replacement (9)
Hand Osteoarthritis
Hand arthritis is common affecting women more than men. The pain, loss of movement, and loss of strength can be disabling. Steroids are often recommended but should be avoided as they are toxic to cartilage. PRP is more effective than steroids in reducing pain and increasing function (10).
Hip Osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis is common with a prevalence of 19.6% in patients 50 years old and over. It is associated with pain, restricted level of activity, diminished mobility, and increased risk for falls. Lubricant injections called hyaluronic acid (HA) are often recommended when other conservative treatment options fail. These are similar to the lubricant injections used in the knees.
PRP is more effective than hyaluronic acid in reducing pain and increasing function (11).
At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic, we are experts in the treatment of osteoarthritic conditions. Treatment options include PRP and bone marrow-derived stem cell injections. The Centeno-Schultz Clinic was the first clinic in the world to inject stem cells in the lumbar spine. We have published extensively in the field of regenerative orthopedics providing patients an alternative to the risks and complications associated with traditional orthopedic surgery. We have also published our results which are available by clicking here.
In Conclusion
Osteoarthritis can be debilitating. It is the most common form of arthritis and involves the inflammation of one or more joints, swelling, pain, and stiffness. When severe it can limit one’s mobility and ability to function. PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. It is a concentration of a patient’s own platelets that are suspended in plasma. PRP is rich in growth factors that can stimulate repair and healing. PRP for osteoarthritis is effective for patients with ongoing knee, hand, and hip pain and limitations due to osteoarthritis. Using your own platelets allows patients to avoid the risks of steroids and the complications associated with orthopedic surgery.
Osteoarthritis can rob you of freedom and dignity. It starts out mild and progresses. Act now while the issues are small and treatable. If your doctor tells you that PRP is pixie dust and not supported by evidence please tell him that it is time to attend to his homework. 27 randomized controlled studies exist on the use of PRP in orthopedic conditions. Contact us today to schedule a telemedicine appointment and learn about your candidacy so that you can live pain-free without dependence on narcotics or NSAID’s.
Dr. John R. Schultz is an interventional pain management specialist and is double-boarded in both Anesthesiology and Pain Management. He is a member and prior instructor for the Spine Interventional Society (SIS) and holds state licensure in Utah, Colorado and North Carolina... VIEW PROFILE BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
