Master of Medicine, Dr. Tran Van Hien – Medical Director at WEMBLEY MEDICAL
Medical Doctor (MD), Master of Medicine (MMed) – Cornell University, USA
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease that causes pain and significantly affects mobility, especially among middle-aged and elderly people. Among modern treatment methods, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is emerging as a promising solution. By using platelets from the patient’s own blood, PRP helps regenerate cartilage, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function. In this article, WEMBLEY MEDICAL will help you better understand the effectiveness, process, and important considerations of PRP treatment for osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a widespread condition in which the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones wears down over time. While it can affect any joint, it most often impacts hands, hips, knees, and spine. Common symptoms include:
Joint pain during or after movement
Joint stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity
Decreased joint flexibility and limited range of motion
Clicking or grinding noises in the joint during movement
Bone spurs forming around the affected joint
Swelling due to inflammation of surrounding soft tissues
PRP therapy involves injecting the patient’s own concentrated platelets into the affected joint to accelerate healing. Blood contains solid components (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets), each with specific functions. Platelets play a crucial role in clotting and contain hundreds of proteins essential for tissue repair.
PRP refers to plasma with platelet concentrations 5–10 times higher than normal. To prepare it, platelets are separated from other blood cells and concentrated by centrifugation. When injected into the damaged joint, platelets release growth factors that:
Suppress inflammation and slow the progression of osteoarthritis
Stimulate the formation of new cartilage
Increase production of natural joint lubricants to reduce friction and pain
The exact mechanism of PRP is not fully understood. However, laboratory studies have shown that growth factors in PRP (such as IGF, KGF, VEGF) are soluble macromolecules produced by various cells. They influence the growth, differentiation, and behavior of many cell types, including chondrocytes (cartilage cells).
These molecules bind to cell membrane receptors, transmitting signals that regulate gene expression through paracrine, autocrine, or sometimes endocrine mechanisms. This cascade triggers cartilage regeneration effectively regardless of patient age or disease stage, without damaging cartilage or the synovial membrane.
Compared to traditional therapies, PRP offers several advantages:
Pain reduction: PRP injections significantly relieve pain compared to placebo.
Physical function: PRP improves joint mobility and physical function better than conventional control measures.
Side effects: Although PRP carries some risks, they are generally no greater than those of traditional intra-articular treatments.
The procedure for treating osteoarthritis with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections is performed as follows:
Step 1: The doctor draws blood from the patient’s arm vein into a collection tube, usually about 15–50 ml.
Step 2: The blood is processed using a centrifuge.
Step 3: The doctor prepares the platelet-rich plasma for injection.
Step 4: The doctor cleans the affected joint area with a disinfectant, such as alcohol or iodine.
Step 5: If ultrasound method is used, a special gel is applied to the skin near the injection site. Then, a probe is pressed against the gel-covered skin to provide real-time images of the joint on a monitor for doctor observe.
Step 6: The Medical Staff asks the patient to relax to facilitate the injection and minimize pain feelings.
Step 7: Once the syringe and needle are ready, the doctor injects a small amount of platelet-rich plasma (typically 3–6 ml) into the joint capsule.
Step 8: After the injection, the area is cleaned and bandaged.
Step 9: Since platelet-rich plasma stimulates a series of biological responses, mild swelling and pain at the injection site may occur for about 3 days.
To ensure the PRP separation and injection process is effective, safe, and consistent, the use of specialized kits is increasingly important in clinical practice.
The VATRACY PRP Platelet-Rich Plasma Isolation Kit by WEMBLEY MEDICAL is a comprehensive solution designed to optimize procedures, standardize operations, and enhance treatment outcomes. Its closed, sterile design enables the extraction of PRP with high platelet concentration and superior purity, while minimizing infection risks. This is an ideal choice for hospitals, clinics specializing in musculoskeletal and rehabilitation medicine.
While there’s no definitive guideline on who should receive PRP, it is commonly recommended for:
Young patients with early-stage osteoarthritis
Patients unresponsive to rest, physiotherapy, or NSAIDs
Those with severe joint pain impacting daily activities
Patients intolerant to NSAIDs or unresponsive to corticosteroid injections
Although PRP uses the patient’s own blood, injection can still carry risks such as:
Local infection
Pain at the injection site
Nerve injury
Joint stiffness
Rapid heartbeat
Dizziness or fainting
Nausea or abdominal discomfort
Excessive sweating
Headache
These complications are rare and typically no worse than those associated with other intra-articular treatments.
Patients can be injected only once or multiple injections spaced weeks or months apart, depending on the type of injury. In cases requiring multiple injections, the doctor may recommend drawing blood during the first visit, using fresh PRP for the initial treatment, and freezing then thawing the PRP for subsequent sessions. Below are some important notes to keep in mind:
Before the injection:
Avoid corticosteroids for 2–3 weeks beforehand.
Discontinue NSAIDs 1 week prior.
Stop anticoagulants 5 days before.
Stay hydrated the day before the procedure.
Some patients may need an anti-anxiety medication right before the injection.
After the injection:
Rest for several days to avoid straining the joint.
Avoid taking NSAIDs unless prescribed.
Use a brace or support if recommended.
Crutches may be needed if the ankle, knee, or hip is treated.
Apply ice packs for 10–20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling.
Conclusion
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a modern, safe treatment using the patient’s own blood to trigger natural healing. By reducing inflammation, regenerating cartilage, and improving joint function, PRP offers new hope for those suffering from osteoarthritis. For best results, patients should strictly follow their doctor’s instructions.
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The VATRACY PRP Platelet-Rich Plasma Isolation Kit, specially designed for osteoarthritis treatment, manufactured by WEMBLEY MEDICAL is a reliable choice for hospitals and medical facilities, supporting the PRP extraction and injection process with efficiency, precision, and sterile assurance. For detailed product information, please contact our hotline at +84 28 7301 3688 for prompt assistance.
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