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Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Use in the Foot & Ankle By Dr. Carlo A. Messina
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ealing after an injury involves a well-orchestrated and complex series of events where proteins in the blood act as messengers to regulate the entire process. Many proteins involved in the healing process are derived from small cell fragments in the blood called platelets. Platelets are small, colorless, cell fragments present in the blood. They are formed in the bone marrow and are freely passing through the bloodstream in a resting state. However, when ASK THE EXPERT an injury occurs, the platelets become activated and start to gather at the injury site to release beneficial proteins called growth factors. This is the beginning of the healing process. For many years, blood components derived from the patient and thenBYdelivered to the site of injury have created growing interest DR. CARLO A. MESSINA Nerve Irritation (Neuri for use in orthopedic procedures. New research andChronic technology How does the PRP process work? ealing after an injury involves a wellhave expanded the application of this therapy for use in orthopeblood from your arm using a sm orchestrated and complex series of events dic procedures. The blood then goes through a r where proteins What is Platelet Rich in the blood act as messenconcentrate gers to regulate the entire process. Plasma (PRP)? tors from th Many proteins involved in the Platelet Rich Plasma is a concentrausually don process aregrowth derived from tion healing of platelets and factors What happe smallfrom cell fragments in the blood created a small amount of thetized wi yourcalled own platelets. blood. Increased levels of with its PRP small, cell growthPlatelets factorsare have thecolorless, potential the aid of u fragments present in therecruitblood. to improve signaling and Am I a cand They are formed in the bone marment of cells. doctors and row and are freely passing the bloodstream in a Whatthrough conditions can it treat? • Arthritis (Foot or Ankle) examinatio resting state. However, when an injury occurs, the platelets • to Ligament (Acute you. If you become activated and start gather atInjuries the injury siteortoChronic) • called Tendon Injuries (Acute or is Chronic) thinners, y release beneficial proteins growth factors. This the • process. Joint Pain use of these beginning of the healing • Chronic Inflammatory Conditions What are th For many years, blood components derived from the • Achilles Tendonitis PRP uses yo patient and then delivered the siteFasciitis of injury have created • to Plantar your injury growing interest for use• in orthopedic procedures. New Chronic Nerve Irritation (Neuritis) Shin Splints the application of very uncom research and technology• have expanded • Heel Spurs this therapy for use in orthopedic procedures. the PRP Rich process work? n Carlo A. Me What is Platelet Rich How Plasmadoes (PRP)? Platelet Plasma is Our doctors will factors recover a small amount blood from your armDiplomate American Boa Ankle Surgeon, a concentration of platelets and growth created from a smallof amount Surgeon the Foot, Ankle and Leg Sp using a levels smallofneedle a specially designed Thewith blood of your own blood. Increased growthand factors have the potential to syringe. children, teens and adults. His partners then goes through a rapid spinning process that separates and improve signaling and recruitment of cells. Moya, Dr. Alexander platelets other(foot beneficial growth factors fromBertot, Dr. David Sh What conditions can itconcentrates treat? PRP canthe be used to treatand Arthritis or ankle), Goodner. The South Florida Institute of S the blood. TheTendon entireInjuries PRP production process is usually done in less Ligament Injuries (acute or chronic), (acute or chronic), Joint Blvd., Suite C, (954) 389-5900 and in P than 20Conditions, minutes. Achilles Tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis, The practice website is www.SOUTHFLO Pain, Chronic Inflammatory What happens after that? The injected area will be anes-thetized with a local anesthetic (Lidocaine). The blood with its PRP will be injected into the area directly or with the aid of ultrasound or x-ray. Am I a candidate for treatment with PRP? Speak with our doctors and ask if PRP is right for you. We will perform an examination to determine if the use of PRP will benefit you. If you are on anti-inflammatory medications or blood thinners, your physician may temporarily discontinue the use of these until your treatment has taken place. What are the risks associated with this treatment? PRP uses your body’s own natural properties to treat your injury. Side effects utilizing PRP systems are very uncommon.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Use in the Foo
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▸ 64 / Our City Weston / June 2022 / OurCityMedia.com
Carlo A. Messina, DPM, is a Board Certified Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Diplomate American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is a Foot and Ankle Surgeon with the Foot, Ankle and Leg Specialists of South Florida and specializes in treating infants, children, teens and adults. The South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine in Weston is located at 1600 Town Center Blvd., Suite C, (954) 389-5900 and in Pembroke Pines at 17842 NW 2nd Street, (954) 430-9901. www.SouthFloridaSportsMedicine.com
