PRP for Knee Conditions

An Overview on PRP Knee Injections

Knee injuries affect millions of Americans each year. In fact, it is one of the main reasons patients in the Chicago, Westchester, Oak Brook and Hinsdale, Illinois communities visit a knee specialist such as Dr. Nikhil Verma. Dr. Verma offers platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections in the knee, sometimes referred to as an autologous blood injection in the knee, for patients suffering from osteoarthritis, acute muscle injuries and chronic tendon and ligament injuries. PRP knee injections use the body’s natural restorative abilities to accelerate the healing process after an injury so patients can return to the activities they enjoy without undergoing surgery.

Knee Anatomy

The knee is the largest and most complex joint in the human body, and is placed under a great deal of daily stress during normal, work and athletic activities. The joint is made-up of four main bones- the femur (thighbone), the tibia (shinbone), the fibula (the smaller bone that runs alongside the tibia) and the patella (kneecap). A complex system of ligaments, tendon and cartilage work in unison to allow the knee to function and move. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL) are the four main ligaments in the knee that connect the bones and provide stability to the joint. Tendons connect the bones in the knee to the leg muscles that move the joint. To absorb impact in the knee joint when placed under stress, there are two c-shaped pieces of cartilage called the medial and lateral menisci, commonly known as meniscus.

What is Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy?

Human blood is composed of four main components- red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets. Over the years, it has been proven platelets naturally move toward an injured area to help treat the wounded area. Within the last twenty years, researchers have discovered that when activated, platelets release healing proteins called growth factors. These growth factors are capable of stimulating cellular growth and accelerating healing.

Platelet rich plasma therapy, sometimes referred to as autologous blood therapy, has been used for many years in operating rooms for trauma wound healing and bone formation stimulation in spinal fusion surgery. Today, orthopedic specialists are using PRP knee injections to help accelerate healing of chronic tendon injuries and acute ligament and muscle injuries.

If you would like to see the leading research on the outcomes of biologic/regenerative treatments, please visit our research library.

Can PRP Injections Help You?

There are two ways to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure:

You can provide current X-rays and/or MRIs for a clinical case review ($250).

You can schedule an office consultation that should be covered by your insurance.

Biologic Therapies FAQ

Is Biologic Treatment Right For You?

Call • (312) 432-2390

Request an Appointment