Post-Surgical Joint Pain
Persistent pain after joint surgery (e.g., post-meniscectomy, arthroscopy) often results from residual inflammation and poor tissue healing. PRP therapy addresses these issues by delivering concentrated growth factors to the surgical site. The treatment modulates scar tissue formation while promoting healthier tissue regeneration. For post-meniscectomy knees, PRP can reduce residual synovitis and potentially slow further cartilage degeneration. Patients typically require 1-2 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart for optimal results. PRP is particularly valuable for patients with persistent pain despite technically successful surgeries.
The treatment can be combined with targeted rehabilitation to address underlying biomechanical deficits. Unlike cortisone which provides temporary relief, PRP promotes actual tissue remodeling and may improve long-term surgical outcomes. Recent studies suggest PRP may reduce revision surgery rates in certain post-arthroscopic cases by enhancing the biologic healing environment.
PRP Treatment Process
Surgical Site Evaluation
MRI/ultrasound assessment may not be required
PRP Preparation
Customised based on findings, most likely PRP+HA
Precision Injection
Intraarticular injection
Healing and Pain Relief
Avoid exercise for 6-8 weeks during treatment. Begin physio/rehab therapy at 8 weeks with progressive loading
Treatment Eligibility
Ideal Candidates:
✔ Persistent post-op pain >3 months
✔ Failed conventional rehab
✔ No mechanical symptoms
Exclusions:
✘ Loose surgical hardware
✘ Infection concerns
Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Post-Surgical Joint Pain, and how does PRP aim to treat it?
Post-surgical joint pain refers to persistent or new onset pain in a joint following a surgical procedure, where the pain is not resolving as expected or is indicative of ongoing issues like incomplete healing, persistent inflammation, scar tissue formation, or subtle cartilage/soft tissue irritation that may have been missed or developed later. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) involves injecting a concentrated solution of your own blood platelets, rich in growth factors and anti-inflammatory proteins, directly into the affected joint or surrounding soft tissues. The aim is for these concentrated biological components to stimulate further healing of repaired or adjacent tissues, reduce chronic inflammation, modulate scar tissue formation, and alleviate pain, thereby helping to improve the overall outcome after surgery.
Am I a suitable candidate for PRP treatment for post-surgical joint pain in Australia?
PRP treatment for post-surgical joint pain is typically considered for individuals who continue to experience significant pain or functional limitations in a joint despite having undergone surgery and completed the standard rehabilitation protocol. This might be due to issues like persistent inflammation, slow-healing soft tissues, or localized pain that wasn’t fully addressed by the surgery itself. Your orthopaedic specialist or the surgeon who performed your original procedure will conduct a thorough assessment, which may include reviewing your surgical history, physical examination, and potentially further imaging (like MRI or CT) to understand the underlying cause of your ongoing pain. PRP is often explored as a non-surgical option to enhance recovery and manage persistent symptoms before considering further invasive interventions.
What does a PRP injection for post-surgical joint pain involve, and what's the typical recovery process like?
The procedure usually begins with a small amount of blood being drawn from your arm. This blood is then processed in a specialised centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets, creating the PRP solution. The concentrated PRP is then precisely injected into the painful joint or surrounding tissues that are identified as the source of your ongoing pain, often guided by ultrasound or fluoroscopy to ensure accurate placement. You might experience some mild discomfort or a feeling of pressure during the injection. After the procedure, it’s common to have some localised soreness, swelling, or bruising in the injected area for a few days. Your doctor will provide specific post-injection instructions, which generally involve a period of reduced activity or protection of the joint, followed by a gradual and tailored rehabilitation program, typically guided by a physiotherapist, to integrate the healing process with functional improvement. The timeline for improvement can vary, as it builds upon your post-surgical recovery.
How many PRP injections are usually needed for post-surgical joint pain, and is it covered by Medicare or private health insurance in Australia?
The number of PRP injections needed for post-surgical joint pain can vary depending on the individual’s response, the specific joint involved, and the underlying cause of the persistent pain. While some patients may find relief with a single injection, a course of 1 to 3 injections, often spaced a few weeks apart, may be recommended to achieve optimal and more sustained results. Your treating specialist will advise on the most appropriate number of injections for your specific situation. In Australia, PRP treatments for post-surgical joint pain are generally not covered by Medicare. This means the cost of the PRP procedure itself is typically an out-of-pocket expense for the patient. Similarly, most private health insurance funds in Australia currently do not provide rebates for PRP therapy for this specific indication. It is always advisable to discuss the full costs involved and confirm any potential out-of-pocket expenses directly with your clinic and your private health fund prior to commencing treatment.
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