Regenerative Medicine In Your Practice
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Author(s): "Sherman O. Canapp Jr., DVM, MS, CCRT"
Published: Veterinary Practice News, October 2015
Summary
This article discusses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a regenerative medicine treatment used in both human and veterinary medicine.
Key points
- PRP uses concentrated platelets from a patient's own blood to promote tissue healing.
- It has expanded from dental and maxillofacial applications to broader use in orthopedics and sports medicine.
- Platelets contain growth factors that stimulate tissue healing and can recruit stem cells.
- PRP is prepared by processing a blood sample to isolate platelets while removing red and white blood cells.
- The therapy typically involves 1-3 injections, spaced two weeks apart, followed by rehabilitation.
- Ideal PRP systems should concentrate platelets 5-7 times normal levels and minimize other blood cells.
- A study at Veterinary Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Group (VOSM) found the Companion Regenerative Therapies (CRT) Pure PRP system to be effective.
- PRP can be combined with bone marrow-derived stem cells for potentially enhanced healing effects.
- The timing and combination of PRP and stem cell therapies should be carefully considered based on the specific condition and healing stage.
Dr. Canapp emphasizes the importance of using validated systems for PRP preparation and discusses its potential benefits in treating various orthopedic conditions.