Therapeutic Injections

In many instances, certain orthopedic conditions and injuries can be treated and resolved with nonsurgical treatment options. There are a host of conservative treatment options that Dr. Kirol or his team can discuss with you, if appropriate for your specific condition. Below is a general overview of some of the nonsurgical treatments, specifically therapeutic injections, we offer. 

Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Injections:

We are now excited to offer Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) injections to our patients. 

Your blood is made up of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The platelets serve an important role in blood clotting, however, they also serve to promote healing of tissues. Platelets contain growth factors, which are proteins that stimulate a series of biological responses which aid in healing. Platelets-rich plasma is a preparation which your own blood is processed in a centrifuge machine and the platelets are separated from the rest of the blood components to create a platelet and plasma concentrate (often 5-10 times the concentration of growth factors found in normal blood). This is then injected into the affected area to speed the healing process. Platelet-rich plasma is a non-surgical regenerative therapy that uses this high concentration of platelets and plasma to promote regeneration and self-healing in many orthopedic injuries and conditions.

Currently in Orthopedics, PRP is being used for several conditions such as ligament injuries, tendon injuries, and arthritis. PRP injections can help alleviate painful symptoms and promote healing.

Halaurionc Acid Injections:

Halaurionc Acid injections, or viscosupplementation, are injections which are used for knee osteoarthritis. This injection contains a gel-like mixture made from a substance called hyaluronan that is derived from chicken combs. Hyaluronan is a natural substance found in the body and is present in normal healthy joints. The body’s own hyaluronan acts like a lubricant and a shock absorber in the joint and is needed for the joint to work properly. When a patient suffers from osteoarthritis, the hyaluronan is diminished and they lose the viscosity of the joint fluid, essentially loosing the shock absorber and lubrication in your knee. Viscosupplementation injections replace the hyaluronan which lubricates and cushions your knee and can provide up to six months of pain relief, and sometimes longer. You can receive these injections twice per year. There are single injection preparations or a series of injections. 

Corticosteroid Injections:

Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory medication which can be injected into the joint or affected area which reduces pain and inflammation. We use cortisone injections frequently for different shoulder and knee conditions. We typically do not recommend more than 3 injections per joint in a one year time frame, however, many patients receive significant long-lasting relief from a single injection and do not require repeat injections.