Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection For Meniscus Tear (Knee)

Platelet Rich Plasma Injection For Meniscus Tear

Platelet activation plays a key role in the process of wound and soft tissue healing. The use of platelet rich plasma (PRP), a portion of the patient’s own blood having a platelet concentration above baseline, to promote healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints, can be applied to various musculoskeletal problems. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that PRP injections have improved function and decreased pain to various maladies, including – but not limited to – elbow, wrist, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle tendonosis. Early work is also showing promise for osteoarthritis. The side effects of PRP injections are very limited as the patient is utilizing their own blood, which they should have no reaction to. Some relative rest is needed immediately following the procedure, then usually followed by a progressive physical therapy treatment.

What is a meniscus ?

Each knee has two menisci, which are the circular discs responsible for cushioning the knee and distributing weight throughout this joint. An abrupt turn or twist of the knee can result in a painful meniscus tear. This type of injury can happen during sports, lifting a heavy object, or suffering a trip and fall injury. With age, the meniscus often wears down, which makes it easier to have a meniscus tear. Platelet-rich plasma injections recently developed alternatives to meniscus surgery that can use a patient’s own cells for innovative and effective healing.

What are the types of Meniscus Tears?

Patients may suffer meniscus tears of varying degrees. A minor tear usually results in slight pain and swelling, resolving itself within about three weeks. A moderate tear causes stiffness and swelling, which may interfere with walking and range of motion. These symptoms may last for a week or two, and they may return with overuse. A severe tear may result in pieces of the meniscus moving within the joint, causing it to lock. Swelling and stiffness usually follow within the first days after injury, and pain can be significant after this type of meniscus tear.

What are the surgical limitation for meniscus tear?

More than one million meniscus repair surgeries are performed in the United States annually, and nearly 30 percent of these surgeries may require additional operations to resolve continued problems. Surgery for a meniscus tear often fails for various reasons. The location of the tear is one factor in failed surgeries. If the tear occurs on the interior of the knee, the injury site may not receive an adequate blood supply for full healing. One complication of this lack of blood supply can be arthritis, which could set in with aging. Instead of the surgical route, it’s a good idea to explore alternative treatment for torn meniscus patients.

What are non-surgical treatment options for meniscus tear?

One non-surgical treatment options that has been helpful for many patients with a meniscus tear is PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection. Meniscus tear repair often responds readily to the presence of platelet-rich plasma injected at the injury site. Blood platelets contain growth factors, which are beneficial for the healing process. Incorporating a patient’s own platelet-rich plasma helps intensify the healing process and often stimulates and strengthens the body’s natural response to an injury. At Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance we regularly see patients with meniscus tear injuries. Many of them want to know how to repair a meniscus without surgery. Patients of all ages can be excellent candidates for PRP injection: Meniscus tear injuries do not automatically require surgery.

How is PRP Injection Treatment performed?

How Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance can help you treat meniscus tear?

Our team of medical providers consisting of Sports Medicine Doctor NYC and Sports Physical Therapy at Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance focus is on finding the best non-operative treatment solutions to resolve patients’ pain and injuries. If you’d like to learn more about our services to see whether platelet-rich plasma injection is a treatment option for you, we invite you to contact us to schedule an appointment. Make an appointment to explore alternative treatment for torn meniscus patients and get healthy without surgery. We participate with most health insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, No-Fault(Car Accidents), Workers Compensation(work related injuries). We offer same or next day appointments and Complimentary Injury Screens. Call us today (718)648-1234 

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