Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Stem cells are receiving a great deal of scientific attention as well as coverage in the lay press. The primary reason for the attention is the potential ability of stem cells to regenerate tissues without the production of scar tissue that is generally associated with healing processes. The goal through stem cell use, therefore, is to replace damaged tissue with something comparable to the original tissue rather than with scar tissue.

Numerous growth factors have been used in the horse with the intention of enhancing synthesis and reducing breakdown of tendon/ ligament tissue pursuant to injury. Historically, these growth factors have been harvested from bone marrow and/or fat aspirates, which also contain increased concentrations of stem cells.

More recently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been gaining popularity as a treatment designed to augment equine tissue repair.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous concentration of platelets in a small volume of plasma. Plasma is the straw-colored liquid in which blood cells are suspended. PRP is generated through relatively simple centrifugation of blood. Because it is a concentration of platelets, it is also a concentration of 7 fundamental protein growth factors known to be secreted by platelets in response to wound healing. PRP also contains proteins known to promote cell adhesion during tissue rebuilding.

Platelets perform many functions in the body, including formation of blood clots and release of growth factors into wounds. The rationale for the use of PRP as a treatment strategy for tendonitis (tendon damage) and desmitis (ligament damage) stems from the increased platelet release of multiple growth factors in response to an injury. Two additional incentives for using PRP include its relative ease of collection and the unlikelihood that it will result in immune rejection since it is autologous (produced from the patient's own blood).

At The Atlanta Equine Clinic, PRP has been used to successfully treat the following soft tissue injuries: tendon strain, muscle strain, ligament strain, and joint capsular laxity. PRP has also been used to treat intraarticular injuries. Examples include arthritis, arthrofibrosis, articular cartilage defects, meniscal injury, and chronic synovitis (joint inflammation).

Learn more about PRP and other JOINT THERAPIES in our CLIENT EDUCATION LIBRARY.