Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a relatively new treatment designed to aid in the healing and regeneration of soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments. PRP therapy in orthopedics uses components of the body’s own blood cells to formulate a customized “cocktail” that stimulates the natural healing process in certain orthopedic conditions.
Dr. Zubair Mirza is a leading Orthopedic Surgeon based in Karachi. He did his FRCS from London and has 50 years of experience. He currently practices in Parklane Hospital and DHA medical Centre in Karachi.
In this session with oladoc, he discusses new aspects in the Treatment of joint problems i.e Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Therapy. During the interview, he answered various questions about the conditions that can be treated by PRP and how the overall process works.
Q.1. How does PRP work in orthopedics?
Well, PRP, nowadays is working in both orthopedics and aesthetic medicine for anti-aging. PRP refers to Platelet Rich Plasma. To explain further, PRP is a form of natural treatment. Allah Almighty has given our body its own repair and maintenance system, also known as growth factors.
PRP works in orthopedics by treating conditions such as collagen deterioration, knee gap, arthritis by generating new tissue. The cartilage or fluid that becomes dried out with age is regenerated with the help of PRP.
Q.2. What are the conditions treated by PRP?
Well, PRP, as we discussed before, has been used in fields other than orthopedics for years before. It is a relatively new treatment that has only just been introduced for the past 25 to 30 years. In orthopedics, PRP can be used for shoulder cuff rotator treatment, elbow pain, knee pain, frozen shoulder and tennis elbow.
Q.3. What are the side effects of PRP?
Well, in PRP, the patient’s own blood is put in a special tube, processed and then put back in the problematic areas for repair and maintenance. This doesn’t require any medication. It’s the patient’s own blood running through the blood.
Q.4. What is orthopedic stem cell treatment?
Alright, now there is another popular treatment going on these days; stem cell treatment. A stem cell is one cell through which all other tissues are made. For example, a child is essentially born out of one cell that forms all the other tissues of the body.
So, it is possible that we can create new tissues out of stem cells. Even though it is still in an experimental stage, it has a bright future ahead.
Stem cell will be used to cure many diseases in the future. Its use in orthopedics is the same as PRP. It is used to cure issues of cartilage deterioration and arthritis-related pains.
Q.5. What are the effects of obesity on orthopedic problems?
Certainly, being over-weight is a big problem these days. Obesity has become a global issue these days. It would be apt to label it as “globesity”! Obesity increases the risk of diabetes, heart diseases, stroke, knee-pain, joint pain, dementia and even some cancers are related to obesity.
And yes, certainly, obesity causes, joint pain. The extra pressure on the joints can corrode the cartilage faster and cause frequent knee pain.
If you want to learn more about knee-pain treatments, then watch the full interview below. For any orthopedic concerns, watch the full interview below.
You can also book an appointment with an orthopedic specialist through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT professional for your concerns.
