Treatment of knee osteoarthritis with platelet-rich plasma in Barranquilla

Nowadays, new techniques allow us to have health and aesthetic alternatives. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained great popularity in aesthetic medicine as a regenerative treatment that helps detoxify, drain, nourish, revitalize, maintain, and balance damaged or aged tissues.

The platelets in our blood not only help stop bleeding; they also release growth factors that stimulate cell regeneration in different tissues such as degenerated joints, increase protein and cartilage synthesis, and support local healing.

All over the world, regenerative therapies are becoming increasingly popular, and platelet-rich plasma is precisely that. Once plasma is extracted from the blood, it is separated and activated, releasing growth factors from the platelets. These stimulate bone and cartilage tissues to regenerate worn-out tissue, improve local circulation, activate cell growth, repair damaged tissue, and generally improve mobility and clinical symptoms caused by knee osteoarthritis.

Platelet-rich plasma in knee osteoarthritis has many benefits. The cost-benefit ratio of PRP therapy is highly favorable for patients with knee osteoarthritis, as it not only relieves knee pain but also delays complications, improves knee mobility in the medium term, and generally enhances the patient’s quality of life. Most patients who seek this therapy have already been recommended knee replacement surgery, meaning they suffer from severe osteoarthritis.

The number of PRP knee injections required varies depending on several factors such as the patient’s age, severity of the damage (the more advanced the osteoarthritis, the more sessions are needed), movement limitations, and the presence of complications. A patient may need between 5 and 10 PRP sessions per year for knee osteoarthritis.

The pain during PRP knee injections is similar to that of any other injection. It is tolerable, and local anesthesia is not usually required.

There are very few contraindications for PRP as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Patients with clotting problems or those taking anticoagulants require prior evaluation. Since PRP comes from the patient’s own blood, it does not cause adverse reactions, rejection, or intolerance.

Absolute rest is not required after PRP injections in the knee. Only mild precautions are recommended, such as avoiding injuries and not overexerting with long walks or intense physical activity.

The duration of PRP effects for knee osteoarthritis varies. The more advanced the joint damage, the faster the injected platelets are consumed and the shorter the effect lasts. Therefore, the dosage and treatment plan are individualized for each case.

No strict recommendations are required before PRP therapy for knee osteoarthritis. However, it is advised to follow a low-fat diet for three days prior to the procedure to avoid fatty plasma and, if possible, undergo the PRP session while fasting.