Dakota Dunes, S.D.-based Center for Neurosciences, Orthopaedics & Spine physicians have used platelet rich plasma injections to treat more than 100 joint pain patients, according to KTIV News.
Here are four things to know:
1. PRP treatment involves a concentration of platelets and growth factors from the patient's blood, stem cells or bone marrow.
2. The technique aims to nourish the remaining cartilage and stimulate the patient's cells to prevent them from sending destructive enzymes into the joint, CNOS orthopedic surgeon Raymond Sherman, MD, told KTIV News.
3. Dr. Sherman said the effect of the PRP injections lasts longer than cortisone injections, which are used to provide short-term pain relief for arthritis and joint pain.
4. CNOS first began using PRP injections two years ago, according to the report.