Alternatives
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Knee Replacement

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  • Glucosamine
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• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
• Bracing
•   Surgical Treatment
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See These Published Papers for Additional Information:

Treatment of knee joint osteoarthritis with autologous platelet-rich plasma in comparison with hyaluronic acid. Spakova, et al, 2012.

Platelet-rich plasma intra-articular knee injections for the treatment of degenerative cartilage lesions and osteoarthritis. Filardo, et al, 2011.

Intra-articular injection of an autologous preparation rich in growth factors for the treatment of knee OA: a retrospective cohort study. Sanchez, et al, 2008.

Hylan G-F 20 single-injection formulation. Frampton, et al, 2010.

 

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet Rich Plasma, also known as PRP, is a concentration of elements that are found naturally in blood. Blood is drawn from a vein, centrifuged and separated to created a concentrated solution of platelets and other growth and healing factors. The platelets and the growth factors in the PRP stimulate the body's natural healing processes.

With the proper equipment, PRP can be produced and injected in a doctor's office. When you arrive in the office, some blood will be drawn from you arm. After 20 to 30 minutes of processing, the completed PRP will be ready to use. After the PRP is created, it can be injected directly into the injured area.

PRP can be injected into the knee, shoulder, hip or other joint to help relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis symptoms. In some cases, 1 injection is used. Other times, 2 or 3 injections are given over a period of months. Although it is not effective in all patients, many have a rapid improvement in their symptoms. It appears to be most effective in patients with mild to moderate arthritis and less effective in patients who have bone on bone arthritis changes. Some patients experience an increase of pain or swelling for 1-2 days immediately after the injection.

PRP is considered an experimental treatment.

Patients need to avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen or any other NSAIDs for week before and after the PRP injection.