Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative joint condition that leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, often interfering with daily life. In the US alone, over 30 million people suffer from KOA. While total knee replacement (TKA) is widely considered the definitive solution for advanced KOA, there’s growing interest in non-surgical options that can delay—or even prevent—the need for surgery.
Is There an Alternative to Surgery?
One such option gaining traction is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP is a regenerative treatment that uses a patient’s own concentrated platelets to support healing and reduce inflammation. New research suggests PRP may do more than just relieve symptoms—it could significantly delay the need for joint replacement, or help patients avoid it altogether.
Delaying surgery gives patients more time to stay active, maintain independence, and avoid the risks and recovery time associated with joint replacement. And because PRP is minimally invasive and uses the body’s own healing cells, it offers a safer, more natural alternative to traditional surgical options.
Procedures using Regenexx injectates have been studied extensively for almost 20 years, and Regenexx patients are part of the world’s largest human mesenchymal stem cell re-implantation registry for orthopedic purposes. In fact, a recent third-party study published in International Orthopaedics echoed the findings we see in our own practice: Surgery may not be your only option.
Understanding PRP Procedures
PRP procedures involve using the patient’s own blood to stimulate healing. A small blood sample (20-30 tubes) is taken and processed to concentrate the platelets rich in growth factors. These growth factors play a crucial role in tissue repair and reducing inflammation. The concentrated PRP is then injected directly into the affected knee joint.
How PRP Can Help
- Symptom Relief: PRP injections can alleviate pain and improve knee function in individuals with osteoarthritis. The growth factors in PRP help to reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration, which can lead to decreased pain and increased mobility.
- Delaying Knee Replacement: Research suggests that PRP therapy may have the potential to postpone or even avoid knee replacement in some patients with KOA. One study found that PRP treatment delayed the need for TKA in a majority of patients, with a median delay of 5.3 years.
Even more significantly, a survival analysis showed that a significant percentage of patients (85.7%) did not undergo TKA during a five-year follow-up period.
- Cartilage Protection: PRP has demonstrated chondroprotective effects, meaning it can help protect cartilage from further degeneration. In arthritic knees, cartilage typically wears away over time, but studies have shown that PRP injections may help to slow down this process.
Factors Influencing PRP Effectiveness
The effectiveness of PRP therapy can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Age
- Severity of osteoarthritis
- Number of PRP treatments
- How the PRP was delivered
This highlights the value of working with a non-surgical orthopedic specialist who can tailor PRP treatment to your unique needs.
The Takeaway: Is PRP Right for You?
It’s crucial to consult with a qualified clinician to determine if PRP procedure is appropriate for your specific condition. It’s also important to determine whether or not the medical staff provide individualized treatment, rather than a one size fits all approach.
At New Regeneration Orthopedic, we specialize in non-surgical orthopedic care—using image-guided PRP and bone marrow concentrate treatments tailored to each patient. If you’re exploring options beyond surgery, our team can help you understand whether PRP is a good fit.
Call us today or book your consultation online to learn more about how regenerative therapies can help you stay active, mobile, and relieve pain.
