Intra-Articular PRP In Knee Joint For Arthritis Joints
Intra-articular Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy for knee joint arthritis is a medical procedure used to alleviate pain and potentially improve joint function in individuals suffering from osteoarthritis or other degenerative joint conditions in the knee. PRP is a substance derived from a patient’s own blood and is rich in growth factors and platelets, which play a crucial role in tissue healing and regeneration.
PRP is a regenerative medicine technique that utilizes the patient’s own blood to stimulate healing and tissue regeneration.
Symptoms of Arthritis in the Knee Joint:
Pain: Arthritis in the knee joint typically causes persistent pain. The pain may be sharp, dull, or aching in nature and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.
Stiffness: Arthritis often leads to joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. This stiffness can make it difficult to move the knee joint freely.
Swelling: Inflammatory arthritis types, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause swelling in the knee joint. The joint may appear visibly swollen, and this swelling can contribute to pain and limited range of motion.
Reduced Range of Motion: Arthritis can restrict the knee joint’s range of motion, making it challenging to fully bend or straighten the leg. This limitation can affect mobility and daily activities.
Crepitus: Arthritic knee joints may produce a crackling or popping sound when moved. This sensation, known as crepitus, is caused by the roughening of joint surfaces.
Weakness: Over time, arthritis can lead to muscle weakness around the knee joint due to decreased use and pain, further compromising joint stability.
Causes of Arthritis in the Knee Joint:
Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis in the knee joint and is primarily due to the natural wear and tear of the joint over time. Aging, joint overuse, and genetic factors can contribute to osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis can affect multiple joints, including the knees. It occurs when the immune system attacks the synovium (the lining of the joint), leading to inflammation and joint damage.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis can develop after a knee injury, such as a fracture or ligament tear. The injury can disrupt the normal functioning of the joint, leading to arthritis over time.
Other Types of Inflammatory Arthritis: Conditions like psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis can also affect the knee joint, causing inflammation and joint damage.
Intra-Articular PRP Treatment?
Blood Collection: A small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn, typically from the arm.
Centrifugation: The collected blood is then processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets and plasma from other blood components.
PRP Preparation: The concentrated platelets, now referred to as PRP, are collected and prepared for injection.
Intra-Articular Injection: The PRP is injected directly into the affected knee joint, targeting the source of pain and inflammation.
Benefits of Intra-Articular PRP Therapy for Knee Arthritis:
Non-Surgical: PRP therapy is a non-surgical approach to treating knee arthritis, making it a less invasive option compared to joint replacement surgery.
Reduced Pain: PRP injections can help reduce pain and inflammation in the knee joint, allowing patients to enjoy better mobility and an improved quality of life.
Minimal Side Effects: Since PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, the risk of allergic reactions or adverse side effects is minimal.
Potential for Joint Preservation: PRP therapy aims to preserve and improve the function of the patient’s own joint tissue, which may delay or avoid the need for more invasive surgical interventions.
Minimal Downtime: Patients typically experience minimal downtime after PRP injections and can resume their normal activities relatively quickly.