Non Surgical Regenerative Therapy for Hip Joint
Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy is one of several therapies that come under the category of “regenerative medicine.”
The major components of blood are red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that are carried by a liquid known as plasma. Platelets are primarily responsible for clotting the blood. In addition, platelets contain other important components like proteins and growth factors that promote tissue healing and cytokines responsible for various cellular functions.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a serum obtained by centrifuging the blood sample of the patient who wants to undergo PRP therapy. Platelets are separated from the blood cells in the centrifuge. The PRP mixture that formed when combined with plasma has a concentration of five to ten times more platelets. The procedure can be accomplished in an office setting and it may take around 10-15 minutes. This PRP solution can be injected into various body parts that require treatment such as shoulder joints, hip joints, knee joints etc.
The theory of PRP is simple, a high concentration of growth factors along with some chemicals can promote tissue healing and provide pain relief.
Platelet-rich (PRP) injection for the hip
Your doctor may give you some preoperative instructions before you get PRP injections, such as refraining from taking anticoagulants, steroids, and NSAIDs. In the days leading up to your appointment, you should also drink plenty of water.
The healthcare professionals draw blood from you during your appointment. A small amount of blood, usually less than two ounces is drawn. As discussed above, technicians perform a centrifuge on the collected blood to separate the blood components and prepare a PRP solution.
An ultrasound is used to visualize the inside of your body after they clean your hip skin. So that the needle can be guided more precisely. The intention of the procedure is to inject PRP directly into your injured hip portion. It takes about 45 minutes to 90 minutes to perform the entire procedure. Your hip may feel sore after the procedure. To ease the pain, you may use cold compresses. It may be necessary for you to use crutches during the healing process if the doctor believes that it is necessary to keep weight off the injury after PRP therapy.
This treatment may be prescribed by your doctor once a week for a period of three weeks. In some cases, PRP injections are administered six weeks apart to manage hip pain and severe injuries.
Common conditions that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can treat
People who experience pain due to the damage of ligaments, tendons, muscles, bones and cartilage in their hip joint can reap the benefits of PRP injections. These include those who have been injured or who suffer from degenerative conditions of the hip joint.
PRP injections can be used commonly to treat:
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Injuries to hip bones
- Torn ligaments
- Injury to muscles
- Hip osteoarthritis
Through the application of platelets, leukocytes, and growth factors locally, PRP can regulate the inflammatory & catabolic (eroding or breaking down) state in the hip joint.
In other words, PRP has anti-inflammatory properties, it can transform a toxic joint (which deteriorates cartilage) into a healing one by introducing growth factors and healing cells that are capable of treating the lesions and cracks in the cartilage. Additionally, it stimulates the growth of new cartilage.
PRP injections have mixed results for treating osteoarthritis, yet they remain a popular treatment option. You may have many other questions in mind about PRP which can be answered during your initial consultation. Patients should also consider and focus on primary treatments for hip osteoarthritis like losing weight in case of overweight, regular exercise and other medications as prescribed by your doctors before opting for PRP treatment.
To know more details about PRP therapy for hip joint problems consult Dr. Ajay Kumar Tiwari, one of the leading Orthopedic Surgeons in Hyderabad. He has hands-on experience in administering PRP Therapy for the hip joints. Call +91 98499 82203 to book an appointment.
