About
Background – Why IO-PRP?
Traditionally, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is prepared from a one’s own blood and injected into joints affected by osteoarthritis. These injections, known as intra-articular (IA) injections, have been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with mild to moderate arthritis, but are less effective in cases of advanced arthritis. Recent research suggests that combining intra-articular injections with intraosseous (IO) injections—administered into the bone adjacent to the joint—may lead to additional improvements in pain and joint function of joints with advanced arthritis. Please note that, despite improvements in pain and function, IO-PRP injections do not reverse the underlying arthritis.
Procedure
Blood will be drawn from a vein in your arm and processed to concentrate the platelets into platelet-rich plasma (PRP). A portion of the PRP will be injected into the joint, and another portion will be injected into the bone just above and below the joint. One or both sides of the joint may be treated. Before the injections, the skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic, and the skin, underlying tissues, and bone surface will be numbed with freezing given through a needle. Using ultrasound and/or X-ray guidance, part of the PRP will be injected into the joint. The remaining PRP will be injected into the bone adjacent to the joint by carefully advancing a needle into the correct position under image guidance. You may feel mild discomfort during the numbing process and as the needle is advanced into the joint and bone. Some individuals experience moderate discomfort during injection into the bone; the injection rate will be adjusted to help minimize this. If needed, additional medications (oral, inhaled, or intravenous) can be provided to improve comfort during the procedure. The entire procedure typically takes 60–90 minutes.
Risks and Discomforts
Apart from the discomfort associated with the freezing needle and bone/joint injections, adverse effects are rare. There is a small risk of bleeding (oozing at the injection site) or infection at the injected joint(s). Following the PRP injection, your joint(s) will feel stiff and sore for a few days.
Post-procedure Care and Follow-Up
You will have bandages placed over the puncture sites at the joint(s) that were injected. You will receive instructions on how to care for the bandage and the injection areas. Once the soreness from the procedure settles, we strongly encourage you to start or resume an active rehabilitation program. You will be asked to complete questionnaires before the procedure, and periodically afterward. to evaluate the treatment’s effectiveness.