PRP Knee – Shoulder – Hip: Platelet-Rich Plasma Infiltrations
What is Platelet Rich Plasma?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), also called plasma rich in platelet growth factors, is a product derived from the patient’s own blood (autologous) with a concentration of platelets and other plasma bioactive elements above normal values.
PRP infiltrations of the knee, shoulder, hip or other joints, along with cytokine-rich serum infiltrations are the two most commonly used orthobiologic therapies in traumatology.
Biostimulation with plasma rich in platelet growth factors creates a favorable environment to attract progenitor cells and stimulate the natural healing response, which achieves the recovery of mobility, strength and normality of injured tissue.
Biological therapies based on biostimulation with platelet-rich plasma induce the mechanisms for the healing of sports and degenerative injuries, instead of replacing the injured area with a prosthesis or artificial joint.
Specialists in infiltrations of Platelet Rich Plasma in Valencia
I am Miguel Alfonso Porcar , a renowned orthopedic surgeon specialized in regenerative medicine and orthopedic surgery.
In the Regenerat clinic we are referents in the treatment of degenerative pathologies such as knee osteoarthritis, with bioregenerative therapies of plasma rich in platelet growth factors (PRP), to treat many knee, shoulder or hip conditions.
There are different types of growth factors (platelet-derived growth factor PDGF, transforming growth factor Beta, epidermal growth factor EGF……) that stimulate mesenchymal cells to regenerate new tissues.
We use platelet-rich plasma PRP therapy to treat damaged tissue injuries, and help our patients return to their best level of health and function, in many cases avoiding the need for joint surgery or prosthesis placement.
We also use the same orthobiological techniques to accelerate recovery, minimizing complications, increasing the success rate and better results of some trauma surgeries.
English-Speaking Orthopedic Doctor for International Patients
Dr Carlos Mairal, an orthopedic surgeon and trauma specialist in regenerative medicine, provides medical care in English for international patients.
If you are looking for cutting-edge treatment for musculoskeletal injuries, osteoarthritis, or tendinopathies and prefer to communicate in English, Dr Mairal will offer you personalised care in a professional and welcoming environment.
Book your appointment today and receive expert care from an English-speaking orthopedic doctor.
Platelet Origin and Functions: A Focus on Growth Factors
Platelet Origin
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are crucial elements of our blood that play a key role in clotting. Platelets originate from giant bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes.
Megakaryocytes are specialized cells responsible for platelet production. Through a process called thrombopoiesis, megakaryocytes fragment into small particles that become platelets.
Cytoplasmic Granules in Platelets
Megakaryocytes, and thus platelets, produce a number of biologically active substances that accumulate in various cytoplasmic granules.
Among these, the alpha granules are of particular interest. The alpha granules of platelets contain a variety of growth factors and proteins that play important roles in platelet function.
When a platelet is activated, these granules fuse with the platelet membrane and release their contents into the bloodstream.
Platelet Growth Factors
Growth factors are proteins that play a crucial role in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, differentiation and cell function.
In the alpha granules of platelets, several growth factors are found, including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), among others.
It is fascinating to consider that identified, each with its particular role in cell biology.
There are more than 200 growth factors vital to the healing and regenerative processes, and they have driven advances in regenerative medicine, such as the use of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP).
Growth Factors in Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine has benefited greatly from the knowledge of growth factors. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments, for example, harness the power of growth factors to stimulate cellular healing and regeneration and tissue regeneration.
By concentrating these factors in a small amount of plasma, physicians can inject them into areas of damaged tissue to promote faster and more effective healing.
Entre los 200 factores de creimiento cuya función conocemos destacamos:
The Role of Platelet Growth Factors
Platelet growth factors are crucial for a number of biological processes.
They act on target cells by binding to specific receptors on the cell surface, triggering a signaling cascade that can stimulate cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and survival.
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)
PDGF is one of the growth factors vital for smooth muscle cell proliferation and fibroblast growth. It also promotes collagen formation, and plays an important role in wound healing and angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels from existing ones.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)
VEGF is a growth factor that plays an important role in angiogenesis. It stimulates the formation of new blood vessels during wound healing, which ensures that damaged tissues receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients for their reparative process.
Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β)
TGF-β is a growth factor that has a wide range of functions. P
It promotes cell proliferation and differentiation, extracellular matrix production and has an important role in inflammation and immunity. It also plays a vital role in wound healing and tissue repair.
Inflammation and tissue recovery
The phenomenon of inflammation plays a crucial role in the repair of injured tissues, and it is vital to allow its development. However, it is important to regulate it when its intensity exceeds certain limits.
The tissue recovery cycle comprises several interconnected stages:
- Coagulation.
- Inflammatory phase.
- Proliferation phase.
- Remodeling.
The field of regenerative biology has as its main goals:
- Regulating inflammation.
- Enhancing the proliferation phase, which includes cell activation, generation or formation of extracellular matrix and promotion of angiogenesis.
- Reduce the formation of fibrous tissue.
Knee, shoulder and hip PRP treatment
What is PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma?
PRP is a concentrated serum rich in growth factors, which is extracted from one of the cell types of the fraction or liquid part of our blood: platelets.
What effects can I expect? How does PRP work?
Types of PRP benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory effect: it blocks the production of inflammatory cytokines, while favoring the synthesis of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
- Analgesic effect or pain reduction: it produces an endogenous response that in inflammatory conditions reduces pain.
- Regenerative effect: accelerates the healing of injured tissues (tendons, cartilage, muscles, bones, etc.), stimulating the production of stem cells in areas with chronic or acute injuries, replacing damaged cells and stimulating the production of extracellular matrix, increasing joint and muscle mobility and functionality and reducing recovery time.
The effects of PRP last for 12 months, however, in many cases our patients come back after a year and a half without any discomfort or pain.
What is the treatment: obtaining PRP?
The preparation of the plasma rich or with high concentration of platelet growth factors is performed by the team of professionals of Clínica Regenerat directed by Dr. Miguel Alfonso.
- We obtain a sample by drawing blood from the patient and process it under controlled conditions in a closed system.
- We separate the blood components by centrifugation between 2500 and 5000 revolutions per minute, and select the enriched plasma fraction containing different cell types and a high concentration of platelets.
These platelets contain alpha granules rich in growth factors and cytokines (anti-inflammatory molecules).
- PRP is administered in the area to be treated by means of an infiltration (injection).
This treatment with Platelet Rich Plasma is performed with certified medical devices, specialized and with total guarantee of quality (CE marking).
The blood will be at all times without contact with air or contaminated components, avoiding the transmission of infectious diseases.
Knee plasma infiltration side effects
The knee infiltration treatment with PRP or platelet-rich plasma is as safe as your own blood.
PRP is 100% of the patient’s own and therefore does not produce allergies, disease transmission or rejection.
All devices used during treatment are closed, are used in a sterile environment and are for single use only.
The treatment is performed in the office without the need of an operating room, complying with the safety conditions imposed by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS).
Applications of PRP treatment in the knee
Several clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of PRP application in various knee pathologies, making its use common in:
PRP therapy for the Knee osteoarthritis
Intra-articular autologous PRP injections are more effective than hyaluronic acid injections in reducing pain and restoring joint function, especially in younger patients with knee osteoarthritis up to grade 3.
Due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, PRP reduces joint stiffness and slows down the progression of joint degeneration.
Tratamiento con PRP para la condromalacia rotuliana
PRP has proven to be an indicated treatment for chondromalacia patella. It produces an improvement of symptoms and can even be curative associated with a weight training program.
It is used in young patients with patellofemoral pain (chondromalacia), as well as in other patients suffering from incipient osteoarthritis to improve their symptoms and prevent their evolution towards severe knee osteoarthritis requiring knee prosthesis.
PRP treatment for advanced osteoarthritis of the knee
Since 2014, there are multiple publications that support as an indicated treatment the intraosseous infiltration of PRP under radiographic control and sedation in patients treated with Ahlbäck grade 3 and 4 osteoarthritis, acting on the synovial membrane, articular cartilage and subchondral bone, reducing pain and improving joint function.
PRP treatment for meniscal lesions
PRP is used in the type of treatment of painful, stable meniscal injury that does not cause knee locks.
Ultrasound-guided infiltration is performed on the focus of the tear in an intrameniscal manner. This creates a stimulus to generate healing, eliminating pain and inflammation in an attempt to avoid an arthroscopic meniscectomy.
In addition, platelet growth factors are used as adjuvants in the surgical treatment of meniscopathy and anterior cruciate ligament tears to enhance healing after repair techniques because the vascularization of the area is scarce.
Studies support the use of PRP to increase the healing rate.
Plasma applications in the knee
Treating ligament injuries
In common knee injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture associated with instability, the usual treatment requires surgical repair of the ligament by means of a plasty.
As specialists in knee sprains, we use PRP infiltrations in conjunction with surgery to enhance graft maturation and integration in the knee, improving anteroposterior stability, reducing pain, and minimising postoperative inflammation.
In partial tears or strains (sprains) of the internal lateral ligament, PRP infiltrations accelerate the healing process of the ligament and thus the pain and stability of the joint.
Tendon injuries
Chronic tendinopathies and patellar tendinitis or tendinosis is a frequent and disabling pathology of the knee, which produces an alteration of the tendon fibers.
As specialist in patellar tendonitis we use intra and peritendinous ultrasound-guided PRP infiltrations to generate a new healing of the damaged fibers, improving function and reducing pain .
They can even be used as a treatment for shoulder calcifications—not to eliminate them, but to improve tendon functionality.
It is important to combine it with a weight training program with eccentric exercises.
Intraosseous edema
Bone injuries in the knee classified as trabecular fractures, stress fractures or intraosseous edema have a slow evolution.
It is advisable to perform an intraosseous PRP infiltration therapy under sedation and radiographic control in the focus of the bone edema or trabecular fracture and accelerating the healing process.
Other PRP applications
PRP infiltrations for epicondylitis
Epicondyle tendinopathy or tennis elbow is a very prevalent pathology caused by repetitive movements. It causes an important stress of the extensor musculature in the elbow and that has as consequence the lesion of the tendons at the level of the epicondyle.
Corticosteroid infiltration for the treatment of tennis elbow, while providing immediate pain relief, can be counterproductive and may lead to tendon rupture in the short term.
Together with appropriate physiotherapy, studies show that minimally invasive PRP therapy offers good results in terms of tendon regeneration.
Ultrasound is a technique that will help us in its diagnosis and definitive treatment, performing ultrasound-guided PRP infiltration in the area of the enthesitis or tendon rupture.
Hip tendinitis, Achilles tendinitis.
Earlier recovery has been observed with the application of PRP both in a surgical repair of a complete Achilles tendon rupture, as well as by intratendon ultrasound-guided infiltration in tendinosis and Achilles tendonitis.
It has also been shown to be very effective in the treatment of hip tendinitis symptoms.
Plantar fasciitis infiltrations
This biological therapy induces the healing mechanisms, and it is the best treatment to reduce and prevent heel pain caused by fascia injury.
Price of PRP Infiltrations in the Knee, Hip, Shoulder…
The price of each infiltration using ultrasound to inject the platelet-rich plasma in the exact spot of the lesion is 270 Euros.
These infiltrations are performed with the application of cold and local anesthesia to avoid any type of discomfort during the procedure.
The number of procedures to be performed on each patient depends on the extent of the lesion.
In some cases a single dose is sufficient, and up to 3 doses may be necessary with a separation of 1 month between them.
We finance your treatments in a fast and secure way.
If you wish, we offer immediate financing up to 1000 € interest free.
New opening Regenerat: Orthopaedic surgeon in Gandía, Denia, Jávea....
Specialists in Regenerative Medicine and Physiotherapy in Gandía
Call ☎ 961 146 834
Regenerat is a paediatric and adult trauma clinic, specialising in regenerative medicine treatments that delay and, in many cases, avoid orthopaedic surgery.
Our patients get an unbiased diagnosis and we offer you various surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
The most common pathologies treated at our medical center are osteoarthritis, back pain, tendon injuries, and sports injuries.
Providing expert care to patients from Denia and Javea to Benidorm and across Alicante at our Gandia clinic.
We are located at C/ Ciutat de Laval, 23, 46702 Gandia, Valencia, Spain.
Make an appointment in Gandia, Catarroja or Torrent
If you prefer, leave us your details and we will contact you as soon as possible.
Regenerat clinic: III Wellness and Quality of Life Awards
Reference Center in Regenerative Therapies
The headquarters of the newspaper La Razón in Madrid hosted the gala ceremony of the third edition of the Wellness and Quality of Life Awards,
These awards recognize the work of companies and professionals who help to improve people’s lives.
The effort to change or improve aspects of our society is a task that requires dedication, creativity and innovation on the part of professionals and companies.
Today we celebrate the 3rd edition of the #WellnessQualityAwardsLR to reward and recognize them for it.
Regenerat clinica receives the “Center of reference in regenerative therapies” award.
Contact information
☎ 961 146 834
info@regeneratclinica.com
Schedule
Mornings – 9:30am – 14:00pm
Afternoons – 16:00pm – 20:00pm
Saturday & Sunday – Closed
Regenerat Clinic in Catarroja
Carrer Emili Ferrer Gómez, 4, 46470
Regenerat Clinic in Torrent
C/ del Mestre Lorenzo Fuertes Julvez, 14, 46901
Regenerat Clinic in Gandia
C/ Ciutat de Laval, 23, 46702 Gandia, Valencia