Platelet rich plasma injections are often used for early stage knee arthritis where there is minimal cartilage damage. They are also used for tendon issues such as tennis elbow and planter fasciitis. The PRP is obtained by taking 5 to 10 mils of blood as one would with a normal blood test. This whole blood is then centrifuged (spun down) for five minutes, separating the red blood cells from the platelet-rich part. The platelet-rich part, which contains growth factors and signalling molecules is then injected locally at the site of damage, with the aim of helping the body to heal the damage tissue. There is good evidence for PRP in early knee arthritis and for certain tendon disorders such as tennis elbow.
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