PRP treatment for joints is an established procedure within orthopaedic and sports medicine practice. It involves the injection of platelet-rich plasma, prepared from the patient’s own blood, into or around a joint or soft tissue structure. The approach is used as part of regenerative therapy protocols for a range of musculoskeletal conditions.
This article provides a factual overview of joint PRP procedures: which conditions they are used for, how the treatment is performed, what the clinical process involves, and how Revital Medica supports orthopaedic clinics with preparation kits.
Which Conditions Is PRP Applied To in Orthopaedics?
PRP is used in orthopaedic settings for a variety of conditions affecting joints, tendons, and ligaments. The most common clinical indications include:
- Osteoarthritis of the knee — one of the most studied applications of PRP in orthopaedics. PRP is injected into the joint space as part of a conservative management approach.
- Hip and shoulder osteoarthritis — similar intra-articular injection protocols are used for other large joints.
- Tendinopathies — including Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). PRP is injected directly into or around the affected tendon.
- Ligament injuries — PRP is sometimes used as part of recovery protocols following ligament sprains or partial tears.
- Post-surgical support — some orthopaedic surgeons incorporate PRP into post-operative rehabilitation plans.
The decision to use PRP is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the patient’s condition, medical history, and response to prior treatments.
How Is PRP Prepared for Joint Injection?
A blood sample is drawn from the patient and placed into a PRP preparation kit. The kit is loaded into a centrifuge, which separates the blood into its component layers. The platelet-rich plasma is then extracted from the kit and drawn into an injection syringe.
Ycellbio PRP kits, distributed by Revital Medica, produce a platelet concentration of 8 to 9 times above the baseline level in whole blood. The preparation process takes approximately five minutes and does not require a dedicated centrifuge model, the kits are compatible with the centrifuge equipment commonly found in orthopaedic and sports medicine clinics.
How Is the Injection Performed?
The injection procedure varies depending on the joint or structure being treated. For intra-articular injections, such as the knee or hip, the area is cleaned and a local anaesthetic may be applied. The PRP is then delivered using a needle guided into the joint space.
Ultrasound guidance is commonly used in orthopaedic PRP procedures, particularly for tendons and smaller joints, to ensure accurate needle placement. This is considered good practice for any procedure where the target structure is not immediately accessible by surface landmarks alone.
For tendon injections, the PRP is typically delivered at the point of maximum pathology as identified by imaging. Some practitioners use a technique known as fenestration, in which the needle creates multiple small punctures in the tendon tissue to stimulate a healing response in combination with the PRP.
Frequency and Course of Treatment
The number of injections depends on the clinical indication and the practitioner’s assessment. Protocols vary:
- Knee osteoarthritis — common protocols involve one to three injections, spaced one to four weeks apart.
- Tendinopathies — many protocols use a single injection, with the option to repeat if needed after several weeks.
- Post-surgical use — timing and frequency are determined by the surgical team in conjunction with the rehabilitation plan.
There is no universally standardised protocol for orthopaedic PRP, practitioners draw on published research and clinical experience when designing treatment plans.
Patient Considerations and Preparation
Patients are generally advised to avoid anti-inflammatory medications — such as ibuprofen or aspirin — in the days before and after a PRP injection, as these may interfere with platelet function. A pre-treatment consultation should include a review of current medications and a clinical assessment of the affected joint or structure.
Following the injection, a period of relative rest is usually recommended. The length of this period depends on the site treated and the patient’s clinical picture.
Ycellbio Kits for Orthopaedic Use
Revital Medica provides PRP orthopaedics injection kits to clinics across Europe. The Ycellbio orthopaedic kit range is CE-marked and FDA-registered as a Class 1 medical device, giving practitioners a clearly documented product with traceable credentials.
Orthopaedic surgeons and sports medicine practitioners offering joint PRP therapy can request product information, pricing, and ordering details from Revital Medica directly.
Clinics with established platelet rich plasma knee protocols will find the Ycellbio kit compatible with their existing equipment, reducing operational complexity.
For details on kit specifications for PRP tendon treatment and other orthopaedic applications, visit revitalmedica.com.