PRP Knee Injection Overview

Given the high stress placed on the knee during daily activities, work-related movements, and sports, the knee is one of the most commonly injured joints. In Kerala, where many individuals lead active lifestyles, Dr. Khaleel, a Senior Consultant Arthroscopic Knee and Sports Surgeon at Kims Alshifa, Perintalmanna, Kerala, India, provides advanced non-surgical treatments for knee issues, including PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) knee injections. Known as autologous blood injection, this biologic treatment is increasingly recognized as an effective option for treating chronic ligament and tendon injuries, acute muscle injuries, and osteoarthritis.

What are PRP Injections?

Human blood consists of platelets, plasma, white blood cells, and red blood cells. Clinical studies have shown that platelets are key to the body's healing processes as they migrate to injury sites and release growth factors. These factors accelerate healing and stimulate cellular growth, making PRP an effective treatment for various knee conditions.

Common Conditions Treated by PRP Knee Injections

• Knee Deterioration Injuries: Injuries to knee ligaments and menisci can lead to pain and cartilage deterioration. PRP injections help accelerate the healing of these tissues, potentially averting the need for surgery.
• Knee Tendon Injuries: Tendon injuries, such as those to the patellar tendon which connects the kneecap to the shinbone, respond well to PRP treatments. The patellar tendon works with the quadriceps muscle and tendon to straighten the knee, and injuries here can be debilitating.
• Osteoarthritis of the Knee: Osteoarthritis is a prevalent form of arthritis that affects many individuals, particularly those over the age of 50. It involves the deterioration of articular cartilage due to regular impact and athletic activities, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. PRP injections have been shown to improve pain and function in a significant percentage of patients, possibly even delaying the progression of osteoarthritis.
• Bone on Bone Knee Injuries: In cases where cartilage lesions or tears extend through to the bone (full-thickness lesions), PRP injections can provide essential nutrients and oxygen to help slow further damage to the articular cartilage.

How PRP Knee Injections are Performed

Dr. Khaleel performs PRP injections by initially drawing a small sample of the patient's blood, typically from the arm. This blood is then processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets by separating them from other blood components. The platelet-rich plasma is then carefully injected into the affected area of the knee to promote rapid healing. As the treatment involves the patient's own blood, the risk of adverse reactions is minimal.