In cases incipient and moderate osteoarthritis of the knee and according to the new international guidelines issued by the European Society for Sports Injuries, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA), PRP therapy is a promising treatment option aimed at reducing pain and improving function. In addition, it is considered a more effective treatment than hyaluronic acid or cortisone injections.

What is PRP?

“PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy is a biological form of treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, which consists of injecting platelet-rich plasma (preparation of concentrated platelets-growth factors) into the affected area. It is thought to enhance the healing and regeneration of injured tissues (tendons, cartilage, bones and muscles) and to reduce or eliminate pain. All this in a natural way and without any risk.

Today, it is widely used in large orthopedic centers and sports clubs to treat orthopedic diseases” says Mr. Anastasios Deligeorgis MD, MSc. Orthopedic Surgeon-Sports Physician Deputy Director of the 3rd Orthopedic Clinic of HYGEIA Hospital.

PRP and Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is the progressive wear-destruction of the cartilage of its joint and is a degenerative disease. PRP can improve the micro-environment of the affected joint, helping to relieve pain, improve mobility and delay disease progression.
The therapeutic protocol includes 2 – 4 infusions with an interval of 1-3 weeks between them.

How is PRP prepared and applied?

“The technique consists of taking a small amount of blood (10-30 ml) from a peripheral vein of the patient, which is then placed in a special centrifuge. The centrifuge separates the platelet-rich plasma from the other blood components. The separated platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the area of ​​the lesion in a focused manner. The PRP injection is done in the orthopedic clinic and the whole procedure takes no more than 20 minutes. The patient should rest for the next two days after the infusion. Also, he must avoid the use of anti-inflammatory drugs for a week, before and after the injection,” explains Mr. Deligiorgis and lists the advantages of PRP treatment:

What are the benefits of PRP therapy?

• Faster and more complete tissue healing
• Reduction or even elimination of pain
• Faster recovery of mobility and faster return to everyday life and sports
• Safe and painless method
• There is no risk of rejection of the injected material, since it is biological material that comes from the patient himself
• It is based on the healing properties of the organism itself
• No need for hospitalization or anesthesia.