Blood therapy popular with pro athletes makes way to Cincinnati

A process that uses a patient’s own blood to help speed the healing process is now being offered to treat tendon and ligament injuries as well as degenerative joint arthritis by doctors who specialize in orthopedics and sports medicine at the Christ Hospital Health Network.
A blood separation system extracts platelet-rich plasma from a patient’s whole blood sample, according to Christ Hospital spokesman Michael Beauchat.
The highly concentrated plasma is then injected into the site of the injury, using ultrasound to ensure precise placement. The platelets, which are cell fragments, help strengthen the body’s own healing and regenerative resources to replace unhealthy tissue with healthy tissue.
Called platelet-rich plasma therapy, or PRP, the process is part of the emerging field of orthobiologics, which combines the body’s natural healing mechanisms with cutting-edge technology to direct, control and accelerate the healing process, according to Beauchat.
Golfer Tiger Woods is among prominent athletes who reportedly have undergone such therapy.
“We are just on the cusp of discovering techniques to manipulate and enhance the natural processes of the human body to advance therapies for patients,” said Dr. Edward Marcheschi, a sports medicine specialist at Christ Hospital. “Orthobiologics and regenerative medicine represent innovations in orthopedic and sports medicine treatments that are changing the playing field for many recreationally active people.
“The use of PRP is becoming mainstream in all comprehensive orthopedics and sports medicine programs in the country,” Marcheschi said. “We’re excited to be able to offer this treatment.”
The Mount Auburn hospital was recently recognized as one of the nation’s Top 50 Best Hospitals for Orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report.
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