Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections

Angela Jones, MD

Content Contributor

Evolution of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a substance created by spinning down a tube of blood in a centrifuge machine and separating out the portion containing a high percentage of platelet cells. Platelet cells release multiple growth factors related to the generation of soft tissue, such as during healing. When PRP is harvested and spun down, a small amount of calcium chloride is added to activate the platelet cells to start producing growth factors once injected into the target area. The goal is to increase the body’s own healing
process to resolve the damage that is causing the painful condition. PRP has been tried in a host of musculoskeletal conditions, but the evidence for its success is the best for healing the kneecap after ACL surgery and for educing pain in tennis elbow. Investigation is ongoing for many other orthopaedic conditions throughout the body.

Technology Spotlight

Arthrex ACP® Double Syringe System

Arthrex uses the term Autologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP) for the product produced by their system. The centrifugation process results in about 2.4 times increased concentration of platelets compared to whole blood. Studies have shown that 2-3 times concentration of platelets results in increased growth factor production in the lab. By designing a double syringe system, Arthrex has shaved significant time off of the wait time for the patient, as the centrifuge process only needs to be performed once instead of twice.