Comprehensive Orthopaedic Global is proud to provide our patients with only the most cutting-edge and promising therapies, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. This therapy can be an effective treatment option for those who have injured a tendon or a ligament. During PRP therapy, PRP helps to accelerate the healing process by carrying additional growth factors to the impacted region of the body. Then, a centrifuge is used to extract the PRP from the patient’s blood. Next, this PRP is injected into the impacted region using real-time ultrasonography. PRP can assist the injured tissue in regeneration, helping to speed up the healing process.

PRP therapy can be helpful for the treatment of:

  • Spinal ligaments and joints
  • Partial rotator cuff tears
  • Biceps tendinosis
  • Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
  • Ulnar collateral ligament injury
  • Distal biceps tendon partial tear
  • Chronic thumb sprain
  • Joint arthritis
  • Hamstring strain
  • Patellar tendonitis/tendinosis
  • Quadriceps strain or partial tear
  • Degenerative arthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Calf pain
  • Chronic ligament strains
  • Chronic Achilles tendinosis
  • Chronic partial tendon tear
  • Plantar fasciitis

PRP Injection Process

Platelet-rich plasma injections are a quick and straightforward process that can promote healing in injured tendons or ligaments. To begin the process, one of our specialists will take a blood sample. The amount of blood we collect will depend on where the PRP is to be injected. Once the blood is collected, it is placed inside of a centrifuge, which quickly spins around to separate the components of the blood. This process normally takes around 15 minutes.

When the blood is removed from the centrifuge, the separated plasma is prepared for injection. Your doctor will then use ultrasound software to pinpoint the injection side before injecting the PRP into the impacted area. After the procedure, many patients can easily continue their daily activities. You will likely notice accelerated healing a few weeks after the procedure.

Potential Side Effects

As with any medical treatment, PRP therapy may bring potential side effects. However, the risks of adverse reactions are quite low, since the substances used throughout the treatment come directly from the patient’s own body. It is unlikely that PRP therapy will negatively interact with any medications you may be taking.

There may be risks involved from the injection process itself, including tissue damage, pain at the injection site, nerve injuries, or infection. Our doctors will work with you to explain these risks and ensure your comfort and safety before beginning the process.

PRP Therapy at Comprehensive Orthopaedic Global

Comprehensive Orthopaedic Global is proud to employ Dr. Brian Bacot as our PRP therapy specialist in the Virgin Islands. Dr. Bacot has undergone extensive additional training directly related to PRP therapy, giving him the knowledge and expertise to properly assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries and conditions that could benefit from PRP therapy.

To request more information about PRP therapy in St. Thomas, St John, St. Croix, or the Virgin Islands, please contact us at (340) 779-2663.

Please note that PRP therapy may not be covered by private insurance agencies. To learn more about the cost of PRP therapy and discuss financial arrangements, please contact our office for more information.

What is PRP? Blood Draw

Orthopedic treatments are being revolutionized by advancements in orthobiologics, one of the most promising is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). This method harnesses the body’s innate healing capabilities to address various musculoskeletal conditions.

But how exactly does a platelet move from its natural environment within our circulatory system to become a crucial part of this innovative therapy? Let’s delve into the remarkable journey of a platelet from extraction for use in PRP applications.

The journey begins in the patient’s vein. A specific amount of blood, depending on the patient’s size and the nature of injury, is drawn using an FDA-cleared collection device, similar to what you would experience during a routine blood test.

If you’re interested in the full PRP journey, stay tuned to this channel to read more advancements in orthobiologics.

Read our blog to learn more about the powerful healing properties of PRP.

What is PRP? Centrifugation

After blood is drawn, it is placed in a centrifuge that separates fluids of different densities through centrifugal force. This process results in the blood separating into three distinct layers.

During Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) centrifugation, the blood separates into:

1 – Platelet-poor plasma at the top
2 – A buffy coat rich in platelets (PRP) in the middle
3 – Red blood cells at the bottom

When the centrifugation is complete, the buffy coat, enriched with platelets, is extracted from the tube and used as a concentrated platelet solution with powerful healing properties. This solution can be injected or applied to promote the patient’s tissue healing and regeneration.

If you’re interested in the full PRP journey, stay tuned to this channel to read more advancements in orthobiologics.

Read our blog to learn more about the powerful healing properties of PRP.

What is PRP? Extraction of Platelet-Rich Plasma

After the process of centrifugation, the blood components are quickly separated based on their relative densities.

Red blood cells and inflammatory white cells are intentionally trapped beneath the separator gel of the collection tube. The majority of the platelets in the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are now located on top of the gel itself.

The plasma column above the gel is known as platelet-poor plasma, of which various amounts can be easily removed prior to resuspending the platelets.

If you’re interested in the full PRP journey, stay tuned to this channel to read more advancements in orthobiologics.

Read our blog to learn more about the powerful healing properties of PRP.

What is PRP? Collection and Application

The final step in the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) collection and application process is to gently agitate the collection tube so that the platelets are thoroughly resuspended into the plasma.

Once collected with a syringe, the physician injects or applies the PRP, which are the patient’s own platelets. With this application, the growth factors are released precisely at the site of the patient’s injury and the healing cascade begins.

If you’re interested in the full PRP journey, stay tuned to this channel to read more advancements in orthobiologics.

Read our blog to learn more about the powerful healing properties of PRP.