Platelet Rich Plasma is plasma with a rich concentration of platalets.
Indications for a PRP-treatment?
PRP treatments have proven their worth with cartilage disorders, but also muscle and tendon injuries.
How does a PRP-treatment go?
A small amount of blood (15ml) is taken and centrifuged. During centrifugation, the platelet rich plasma is separated from the other blood components.
The platalets contain different growth factors. These growth factors have a repairing capacity, resulting in a positive effect on the healing of injuries.
The platalet rich plasma is injected into the injury (muscle or tendon) or into the joint under ultrasound.
How do I prepare for the treatment?
It is advisable that the patient doesn't take any blood thinner or anti-inflammatory shortly before the treatment. The timing at which to stop taking blood thinners is best discussed in advance.
Points of attention after the treatment
- After the treatment, the patient may take painkillers (paracetamol), but no anti-inflammatory drugs because those could influence the results of the treatment in a negative way.
- An infiltration with PHP in a tendon causes stiffness and pain for a few days. These symptoms occur immediately. It is therefore advisable to have somebody accompany you to prevent any issues with driving your vehicle on the way home.
Possible complications
- Because this is a self-healing treatment, no allergic reaction can occur.
- As with every form of injection therapy, there is a risk for infection. However, this risk is very minor.
Cost
The treatments costs 170 euro in Mater or Brussels, including the consultation fee. In Orthoca Antwerp, the treatment costs 150 euro excluding the consultation fee (due to collective pricing arangements). The consultation fee is (partially) reinbursed by your health insurance, but the treatment itself is not. The presumable amount of treatments is discussed in advance.