05/10/2022
WHAT IS PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP)?
Platelets are cell fragments found in blood that have several roles in your body. Platelets are most
commonly known to assist in clotting blood. They also play a role in your body’s reparative processes.
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is made up of high concentrations of platelets and growth factors from your
own body. When injected into areas of inflammation or tissue damage, PRP can promote healing. An
injection of PRP into the shoulder has been shown in recent studies to possibly aid in the healing process
of rotator cuff tears after surgery (References 1 and 2). Unfortunately, it has not been shown to be
effective in rotator cuff tendinitis or shoulder impingement but further research still needs to be done in
these areas.
HOW IS A PRP INJECTION DONE?
A PRP injection can be done at the time of surgery in order to accelerate or aid in the healing process of
rotator cuff repairs. At the end of surgery, a simple blood draw is performed and the syringe is placed into
a centrifuge and is spun for approximately 5 minutes. This step separates the platelets from the other
components of blood that will be discarded. The PRP then is injected under direct arthroscopic vision
into the area of the rotator cuff repair.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES OF PRP
Recent research studies have shown that PRP used at the time of rotator cuff repair surgery can
significantly reduce the rate of retearing and/or incomplete tendon healing after a rotator cuff repair after
surgery. Two recent studies (references 1 and 2) have shown a reduction in retear rates of the rotator cuff
is PRP is injected at the time of the surgery. We are therefore recommending a PRP injection at the time
of surgery for any patient that undergoes an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
The disadvantage of this is that PRP is currently not covered by any insurance. If you are interested in
having the PRP injection at the time of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, it must be paid out of your own
pocket (cash or credit card) before the surgery.
Shoulder PRP Injections
Common Questions
Dr. Stetson
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If you are interested, you can discuss this with Dr. Stetson and his assistant Suzie can provide you with
the cost of the procedure. Her email is [email protected]
WHAT IF I HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
If you have any other questions, more information can be found on Dr. Stetson’s website at
www.sportsmedicinedr.com or just call Dr. Stetson’s office and speak to his assistant Suzie, we
are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
More information can be found on
Dr. Stetson’s website at www.sportsmedicinedr.com
REFERENCES
1) Ryan J., Imbergamo C., Sudah S., et al. Platelet-Rich Product Supplementation in Rotator Cuff
Repair Reduces Retear Rates and Improves Clinical Outcomes: A Meta-analysis of Randomized
Controlled Trials. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery. Vol. 37 (8)
August 2021: 2608-2624.
2) Hurley E., Colasanti C., Anil U., et al. The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Leukocyte
Concentration on Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Network Meta-analysis of Randomized
Controlled Trials. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. Vol. 49, (9) 202: 2528-2534
Dr. Stetson is an award winning orthopaedic surgeon who is double board certified in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine and is the Olympic Team Doctor for the USA Men’s and Women’s Indoor Volleyball Teams. He is a sports medicine and arthroscopy specialist with an expertise in the surgica...
