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Advanced Biological Therapy Unit - PRP

The Arthroscopic Surgery Unit, through its Advanced Biological Therapy Unit has specialised in  Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Technology and more specifically in Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF®-Endoret®) which enhances the healing and regeneration process by adding bioactive substances obtained from a small amount of the patient's own blood.

PRGF®-Endoret® was the first autologous plasma system (where the patient's own blood is used) on the market. Growth factors are currently being used in tendon, ligament, muscular, joint, skin, cartilage and bone disorders and are applied on an outpatient basis or in surgical operations. There are different lines of research which in the future will probably bring about further applications for growth factors.

The UTBA houses a laboratory and facilities where all the therapeutic activities and actions involving Platelet Rich Plasma are carried out on an outpatient basis. All these spaces are treated as authentic operating theatres in terms of hygiene, disinfection, healthcare controls and personal attire in order to constantly minimize any risk of infection.

The Arthroscopic Surgery Unit is currently a pioneer in the use of this therapy for trauma injuries.

• Which pathologies should be treated using PRP?

   PRGF®-Endoret® is a therapeutic tool used in acute injuries to soft parts (muscles, tendons and ligaments), in bone tissues and in chronic degenerative joint diseases such as arthrosis. The Arthroscopic Surgery Unit medical team establishes the specific indications for each case on an individual basis.

• Is the PRP technique related to the use of stem cells?

  No. These are two different methods of regenerative medicine using biological therapies.

• What are the side effects of treatment involving PRP?

  An absolute contraindication is the active infection of the area treated and a relative contraindication is the immunosuppression due to the risk of infection.

• Is there an age limit for the treatment?

  No. The treatment may be administered to patients of all ages.

• Can it be administered to children?

  Yes, it may be administered to children yet it is not commonly recommended due to their greater capacity for recovery in comparison with adults. It is most commonly recommended for skin disorders and osteochondritis.

• Can patients who have previously suffered or are currently suffering from cancer of any aetiology, either currently being treated for this or not, be treated with PRGF®-Endoret®?

  In the event that the area being treated is different to the area of the tumour, yes they can unless there is a high risk of infection due to immunosuppression.

• Is treatment involving PRGF®-Endoret® painful?

  This will depend on the area to be treated, joint injections may cause some pain but this is bearable and the procedure requires no anaesthetic. This is also the case for injuries to the skin and to muscles. Tendon injuries should be treated with the patient sedated and bone injuries as a general rule also require the patient to be sedated.

• In the event of patients currently receiving anti-coagulant treatment, is it necessary to temporarily suspend this treatment?

  In theory it is not necessary to suspend it except for in very specific cases. However, both the doctor and the healthcare staff should be informed.

• Can patients with thrombocytopenia be treated with PRGF®-Endoret®?

  Yes, unless the platelet numbers are very low. It is not recommended for levels below 60,000.

• Can it be combined with other treatments?

  Not in the same area and simultaneously, no; especially not with cortico-steroids.

• What risks are involved in the treatment?

  The main risk is of infection which means that the application should be performed under strict aseptic conditions.

• Are there any side effects?

  In theory, the potential side effects are related to the fact that a quantity of liquid is injected and this could lead to an increase in blood pressure in the joint or tissue being treated which in turn could cause some pain and a sensation of swelling for a varying time period (normally 48 hours).

• Is any preparation required prior to the PRGF®-Endoret® treatment?

  No special preparation is required and there is no need for any prior medication. However, it is recommended not to eat or drink in the 6 hours prior to the test, in particular not to eat any fats.