Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment (PRP) at Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew's Hospital

What is a platelet rich plasma treatment (PRP)?

PRP treatment is an autologous procedure meaning ‘from your own body’ that involves a small amount of blood being drawn from the body before being processed using a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma in the blood. 

The plasma is then further processed with a centrifuge to separate a protein liquid, which is injected into the joint to treat pain and slow the progression of cartilage degradation, enabling you to get back on your feet faster.

At Nuffield Health, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, our experienced orthopaedic consultants will perform a full examination to recommend a plan of treatment that is personalised for you. Following the assessment and imaging results, a range of treatments may be recommended including PRP.
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What are the benefits of platelet rich plasma treatment (PRP)? 

If your consultant has determined that you will benefit from PRP then the main expected results may include reduced pain and increased function of that area.

Is PRP right for me? 

PRP treatment should be considered for patients who are not finding effective symptom control for their musculoskeletal (MSK) related condition from other conservative treatments, and where surgery may not be considered an appropriate option. 

What happens during and after the procedure? 

• Blood is drawn from a vein in the arm.
• The blood is then processed to separate the platelet-rich plasma and then processed further to separate a protein liquid.
• This liquid is then injected into the affected joint.
• The treatment is performed in our outpatient clinic.

Patients requiring PRP treatment will be booking into Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew's Hospital for an initial consultation and diagnostics. Following this, they will be taken to another facility within our network for the PRP treatment to be carried out.

Recovery 

Patients may experience some localised pain and swelling from their injection which should subside.

Long-term recovery

Your recovery will be guided by physiotherapists and follow-up consultations with your surgeon.