What is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma is prepared from a sample of your blood and then injected into the joint. It is an autologous product, meaning it comes from your own body; it is not a stem cell treatment.
What can I expect from it?
PRP may improve pain and function in some patients with knee osteoarthritis. Results remain variable: the AAOS considers the evidence limited, and NICE highlights the limitations in the quality of the efficacy data. Preparations and protocols differ between studies.
What Should Not Be Promised
PRP does not guarantee the disappearance of pain, nor does it prevent the need for a prosthesis. Cartilage regeneration is not a proven clinical benefit. A lack of improvement is possible.
Choosing and evaluating together
The consultation clarifies the objective, the alternatives, the proposed protocol, the cost, and the timing of the follow-up. Please mention any treatments you are currently taking; any adjustments to these treatments are the responsibility of the prescribing physician. PRP complements the treatment plan and includes appropriate exercises.
Your questions.
Does using my own blood eliminate the risks?+
No. The procedure remains an injection in the joint. Precautions and signs to watch for are explained on the Treatments and Injections page.