Treating Arthritis Using Platelets

We talked before about the three different growth factors in platelets. These appear to be the growth factors accounting for some degree of healing, decrease inflammation. But also studies are showing some cartilage grow back. So this idea of platelet derived growth factor and transformative growth factor bringing stem cells into the region and getting to mature appears to be what's happening, and it's something that can be repeated. The technique of platelet rich plasma is fairly simple. You draw the blood in a specialized tube and the tubes are designed to reduce clotting. So the platelets, we can manage them. And we have a special device that separates the platelets from the bl. Then we have a way to store the platelets for 40 minutes or so, so we can use them before they clot up, because platelets want to clot in 10 minutes or so. And then we deploy them into the knee. Our providers are trained on how to use ultrasound to get into the joints with accuracy.