Capital City Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Atlanta, GA

Platelet-rich plasma, which is often referred to as PRP, is used in the treatment of several common orthopaedic conditions. Practitioners suggest that this plasma supports a successful and faster recovery from injury by catalyzing the body's natural healing mechanisms. While plastic and maxillofacial (jaw, mouth, and neck) surgeons have been using PRP for over two decades, orthopaedic surgeons and sports medicine experts are still in the early adoption phase.

Producing Platelet-Rich Plasma

Blood is made up of four main components: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Resembling sponges, the platelets are responsible for clotting in cases of injury, as well as the release of healing proteins called growth factors. The purpose of platelet-rich plasma therapy is to infuse your body with a concentration of these growth factors, enhancing the regeneration of injured tissues.

As it utilizes the patient's own blood, obtaining PRP for orthopaedic treatments is not considered difficult. Your blood will be placed in a centrifuge and rotated at a high speed, which will separate the red bloods from the platelets. The PRP portion of the sample will be obtained by your orthopaedic surgeon, who will inject the substance directly into the location of your injury.

Conditions for Treatment

Platelet-rich plasma is most often used in the treatment of tendon and muscle injuries, which occur frequently amongst athletes and individuals in physically strenuous vocations. Common conditions for PRP-based care are:

• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Achilles tendonitis
• Patellar tendonitis
• Rotator cuff tendinopathy

While a single traumatic injury can lead to the need for PRP therapy, patients experiencing the symptoms of long-term wear-and-tear may also benefit from this healing approach.

In some cases, your orthopaedic surgeon may prescribe the undertaking of more conventional treatment approaches, prior to the use of platelet-rich plasma. Anti-inflammatory medications, physical exercise/therapy, bracing, and cortisone injections may all serve as precursors to the application of PRP.

Risks and Considerations

While the risks associated with platelet-rich plasma treatments are minimal, you should still be attentive to the potential for unwanted side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact your orthopaedic surgeon immediately:

• Unusual inflammation
• Increased pain at or around the injection site
• Unusual redness or bruising

Based on your specific nature and severity of your injury, your orthopedic surgeon will determine the recommended frequency for your PRP injections, as well as suggest any other treatment approaches for use in combination.

Dr. Fowler uses the most advanced treatment approaches, including platelet-rich plasma therapy, in the care of both sports-related and general orthopaedic conditions. To schedule an appointment at his Atlanta, Georgia office, call 404-303-8482.