Are There Side Effects of PRP Therapy?

Are There Side Effects of PRP Therapy?

PRP therapy is one of the regenerative treatment methods frequently preferred in orthopedics. But does this therapy have side effects? In this article, we explore what PRP therapy is, its uses, and possible side effects based on scientific foundations.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is an innovative method based on injecting plasma, enriched with platelets from the patient’s own blood, to promote healing in various orthopedic and sports injuries. In recent years, it has gained popularity in treating sports injuries, cartilage damage, tendon problems, and joint disorders. However, many questions remain regarding whether PRP therapy has side effects and what these might be.

What is PRP Therapy?

PRP involves concentrating the body’s natural healing factors found in platelets to accelerate tissue regeneration. A sample of the patient’s blood is processed through a specialized centrifuge to separate and concentrate platelets. This platelet-rich plasma is then typically injected directly into the injured tissue. This process helps reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and support the formation of new cells.

Uses of PRP Therapy

In orthopedics and traumatology, PRP is utilized for treating meniscus tears, anterior cruciate ligament injuries, cartilage damage, tendinitis, osteoarthritis of the hip and knee joints, and gluteus medius tears. Additionally, it supports treatment of complex sports injuries such as athletic pubalgia, femoroacetabular impingement, and labral tears. Research also shows PRP has benefits in recovery following open surgery.

Potential Side Effects of PRP Therapy

Scientific literature generally acknowledges PRP as a safe treatment. However, like all medical procedures, it can have side effects.

The most common side effects include:

• Pain and swelling at the injection site: Mild pain, tenderness, and sometimes slight swelling can occur at the injection site. This usually resolves naturally within a few days.
• Risk of infection: Because the procedure involves drawing blood from the patient and reinjecting it, strict sterile conditions are crucial. Without proper sterilization, infections, although rare, may develop.
• Bleeding or hematoma: Small hemorrhages resulting in bruising can appear, especially in areas with dense small blood vessels.
• Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions are extremely rare since the plasma is derived from the patient’s own blood. However, interactions with anticoagulant or other medications could lead to complications.
• Temporary stiffness or restricted movement: During the healing phase after injection, patients may experience brief stiffness or limited movement in the treated area.

Rare adverse events may include an excessive inflammatory response, temporary worsening of pain, and cases unresponsive to treatment often associated with chronic conditions.

Precautions After PRP Therapy

Patients are recommended to avoid intense physical activity for several days following PRP treatment. Maintaining cleanliness at the injection site is essential to prevent infections and complications. It is important to follow the physician’s instructions regarding antibiotics or painkillers if prescribed. The treatment plan usually consists of multiple sessions and must be conducted under expert supervision.

Safety of PRP Therapy and Expert Opinion

Orthopedic specialists like Dr. Gökhan Polat emphasize that PRP therapy is a very safe treatment when applied under proper indications and sterile conditions. Due to the minimal side effects, it is particularly recommended as an effective complementary therapy for regenerating injured tissues in athletes and active individuals. Nonetheless, patient selection, application technique, and follow-up care are critically important, as with any medical treatment.