Platelet Rich Plasma

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative therapy that utilizes the numerous growth factors produced by platelets to improve the healing process. Blood is collected from the patient and immediately spun in a special centrifuge that concentrates and separates out the platelets. The PRP is then injected into the injured area. PRP can be used to treat tendon, ligament, and joint injuries.

Below is a series of ultrasound images from a horse with an injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon. The first image was taken at initial diagnosis of the injury. The second and third images show the area of injury 60 and 90 days after PRP was injected by ultrasound guidance directly into the tendon lesion. We notice that the hypoechoic (black) region of the injured tendon has filled in with a normal fiber pattern indicating the tendon has healed well.