Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection under ultrasound or CT guidance
PRP injection in Casablanca
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is prepared from your own blood. The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins very fast to separate its components. The liquid part enriched in platelets is collected; platelets contain factors involved in healing. This plasma is injected back into a tendon, a joint or a muscle, most often under ultrasound guidance, sometimes under CT guidance for a deep target.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The procedure usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, including the blood draw.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
When is this exam needed?
- Chronic tendinopathy (a damaged, painful tendon for several months), for example at the elbow, knee, shoulder or Achilles tendon.
- Epicondylitis, also called tennis elbow, that does not improve despite physical therapy.
- Plantar fasciitis, which causes pain under the heel.
- Knee or hip osteoarthritis, as decided by your doctor.
- Certain muscle or tendon injuries in athletes, as advised by the sports medicine doctor.
How the exam is done
The procedure begins with a blood draw from the inside of the elbow, as for a routine blood test. The blood is prepared on site: centrifugation isolates the platelet-rich plasma, which is collected in a sterile syringe. Meanwhile, you are made comfortable, with the area to be treated exposed.
The radiologist locates the affected area on ultrasound, or on CT scan for a deep target, then carefully disinfects the skin. The skin may be numbed, depending on the protocol. The needle is guided to the tendon or into the joint, and the plasma is injected in one or more steps. A feeling of tension or burning is common during an injection into a tendon. A dressing is applied before you leave.
Preparation
- Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen or diclofenac, for example) around the time of the procedure, for the period set by your doctor.
- If you are in pain, take the pain reliever recommended by your doctor, often paracetamol.
- Tell us when you book about any anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. Never stop it on your own: the radiologist will tell you whether it needs to be adjusted, together with the doctor who prescribed it.
- Drink normally: good hydration makes the blood draw easier.
- Plan a few days of relative rest for the treated area.
Fasting
No fasting in general: if your procedure requires it, the team will tell you when you book. Your usual breakfast is recommended before the blood draw.
Contrast injection
As a general rule, the procedure does not require a contrast agent: the only product injected is your plasma, prepared just before.
Contraindications and precautions
- Ongoing infection, fever or wound at the planned injection site.
- Platelet count too low, blood disease or bleeding disorder.
- Cancer currently being treated: the indication is then discussed with your doctor.
- Recent corticosteroid injection in the same area.
- Pregnancy: as a precaution, tell us about it, especially if the guidance is done with a CT scan.
Documents to bring
- Prescription specifying the area to be treated and the side
- Imaging already done on the area (ultrasound, MRI, X-rays)
- Names of your usual medications, including anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs
- Recent blood test (platelet count) if your doctor requested it
- Proof of insurance or mutual insurance fund coverage
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
What results can be expected from PRP?
Results vary depending on the treated area and the person, and scientific studies do not all reach the same conclusion. PRP does not replace physical therapy, and your doctor decides whether it is right for you. When improvement occurs, it is usually gradual.
Why avoid anti-inflammatory drugs?
PRP relies on a deliberately triggered local reaction, which supports the tissue repair process. Anti-inflammatory drugs may slow down this mechanism. Your doctor tells you how long to avoid them before and after the injection, and which pain reliever to take if needed.
Is it normal to have more pain after the injection?
Yes, stronger pain for a few days is common, especially after an injection into a tendon. Resting the area and taking the recommended pain reliever help you cope with it. However, a fever, spreading redness or pain that keeps getting worse should lead you to see a doctor quickly.
When can I return to sports?
During the first few days, rest the area without immobilizing it completely. You then return gradually, often with physical therapy sessions. The pace depends on the tendon or joint: your doctor or physical therapist will tell you.