by Helen Pavlov M.D., F.A.C.R., Radiologist in Chief at Hospital for Special Surgery
Platelet activation plays a key role in the process of wound and soft tissue healing. PRP, stands for Platelet Rich Plasma and is made from a portion of the patient's own blood. The activated platelets are injected into the abnormal tissue, releasing growth factors that recruit and increase the proliferation of reparative cells. Ultrasound imaging is used to guide the injection and ensure that the PRP is being directed precisely into the affected area. It is prepared from a few tubes of the patient's own bl...