Tendinosis, a chronic degeneration of the tendon, can occur due to an accumulation over time of microscopic injuries to the tendon. The damage can result in pain and disability. It has been shown scientifically that our platelets have a very important role in the natural healing of wounds and bone defects. That is because platelets contain various natural growth factors.
When platelets become activated, growth factors are released and initiate the body’s natural healing response
So with this in mind Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment has been launched at Spire Cheshire Hospital. PRP is currently being used as an alternative treatment method for orthopaedic conditions which have traditionally required surgery or other extensive treatments.
PRP treatment involves a small amount of blood being taken from the patient. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge which spins and separates the platelets from the rest of the blood. The patients own platelets are then collected into a highly concentrated formula which is injected directly into the injured area. When platelets become activated, growth factors are released and initiate the body’s natural healing response; tendon regeneration can be achieved by injecting platelet-rich plasma into the degenerative tendon.
At Spire Cheshire Hospital PRP can be used to treat the following conditions:
Tendinosis around the elbow - Tennis elbow is characterised by tissue degeneration of the wrist and forearm extensor tendons at the elbow. It is not typically associated with acute inflammation. Chronic and severe cases may lead to partial or full thickness tearing of the tendons.
Causes – The injuries are usually caused by overuse of the forearm muscles in repeated actions associated with racquet sports, manual work with twisting hand movements, weight training or any other traumatic movement of the elbow or wrist
Plantar Fasciitis - Plantar Fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that may result in pathologic degenerative tissue changes similar to tennis elbow. Severe or prolonged cases of plantar fasciitis may result in partial or full thickness tearing of this important connective tissue. The plantar fascia is responsible for supporting the arch of the foot and endures tension that is approximately two times body weight.
Causes – The injuries can be caused by the following: a change or increase in activities, no arch support, lack of flexibility in the calf muscles, being overweight, an acute injury, using shoes with little cushion on hard surfaces or shoes that do not bend easily under the ball of the foot and excessive standing.
Achilles Tendinosis - The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body and gives us the ability to rise up on our toes and jump. Achilles Tendinosis can be acute or chronic. In acute cases there is inflammation present and in chronic cases there is degeneration of the tendon fibres.
Causes – Participating in activities that involve sudden stops or starts or repetitive jumping, training on poor surface and wearing inappropriate footwear
The PRP procedure is performed in our out-patient department and it is a relatively quick procedure with minimal discomfort for the patient. The cost of this procedure is £620* for Tennis Elbow and £655* for Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinosis.
Consultants performing this procedure at Spire Cheshire Hospital are Mr Bibhas Roy, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in upper limb conditions and Mr Rob Smith, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in foot and ankle conditions.
For more information or to make an appointment please call 01925 215029 or 01925 215087
For further information and clinical evidence supporting Platelet Rich Plasma treatment please visit www.shouldersurgery.info/platelet-rich-plasma
* Prices correct February 2011
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