New treatment methods such as stem cells, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF), which have been used in the treatment of orthopedic diseases in recent years, are becoming more and more popular day by day.
Stem cells used in the treatment of orthopedic diseases in recent years, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) are becoming more and more popular day by day. Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy are often confused by patients. While in stem cell therapy, special cells belonging to the person are used, platelets taken from the patient's body are used to repair tissue damage in PRP therapy. Platelets, which are the main components of blood coagulation, contain proteins with healing properties. Associate Professor from Memorial Kayseri Hospital Orthopedics and Traumatology Department. Dr. Fatih Karaaslan gave information about the differences between stem cell therapy and PRP.
Stem cells are used in the treatment
Stem cells are special cells in our body and have the ability to renew themselves. Therefore, their use in the treatment of orthopedic diseases has become quite common in recent years. Stem cell therapy is performed by injecting the stem cells taken from the patient into the damaged tissues. This process helps the damaged tissues to heal and also reduces pain. Stem cell therapy is generally used in the treatment of the following diseases.
- Osteoarthritis (joint calcification)
- Tendinitis (tendon inflammation)
- Ligament damage
- muscle injuries
- cartilage damage
The blood taken for PRP is separated
PRP Treatment Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment is performed by separating the blood taken from the patient with a special process. The plasma obtained after this procedure contains rich platelets. Platelets secrete growth factors that promote healing. Therefore, PRP treatment helps to heal damaged tissues. PRP therapy is generally used in the treatment of the following diseases:
- tendinitis
- Ligament damage
- muscle injuries
- cartilage damage
Differences between stem cell therapy and PRP
Although stem cell therapy and PRP therapy are similar, these procedures are actually different applications.
- While stem cell therapy is performed by using live stem cells injected into damaged tissues, PRP therapy provides healing with growth factors secreted by platelets.
- Stem cell therapy is a more invasive procedure because stem cells are mostly obtained from bone marrow or adipose tissue and undergo a special treatment before being injected. PRP treatment is injected after the blood is separated.
- Stem cell therapy has a longer lasting effect than PRP therapy. Stem cells support healing by starting to regenerate damaged tissue. PRP treatment, on the other hand, has a faster effect, but its effect lasts shorter.
- Generally, PRP therapy is preferred in mild to moderate diseases, and stem cell therapy is preferred in more severe diseases.
The method should be determined according to the type and severity of the disease.
Stem cell and PRP treatments have become popular in the treatment of orthopedic diseases in recent years. Both methods help heal damaged tissues and can reduce pain. However, there are differences between stem cell therapy and PRP therapy, and which method to choose may vary according to the type and severity of the disease. Therefore, it is important to decide which treatment method to choose by talking to the specialist doctor.
- While stem cell and PRP treatments have become popular, exactly how effective these treatments are is still under investigation. That's why it's important to talk to your doctor in detail about treatment options before applying these treatments.
- It is important that you are informed about the potential risks and side effects of stem cell and PRP treatments. There may be risks such as pain, infection, bleeding and other complications after treatment. Therefore, you should talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of treatment.
- Stem cell and PRP treatments are options that can be used in the treatment of many orthopedic diseases. However, these treatments are not suitable for everyone. You should consult your doctor about whether the treatment is suitable for you.
- Stem cell and PRP treatments are offered in many clinics. However, the quality of these clinics and the expertise of those administering the treatment may vary. That's why it's important to research clinics and check their references before talking to your doctor about treatment options.