Platelet Injection

[hogheaven]

I am a 50 year old female with a partially torn MCL ligament on my L. leg.( 2nd. degree) After MRI there is no sign of a medial meniscus tear. I am allergic to all NSAIDS and Morphine. My doctor thinks I am a good candidate for the platelet injection. Can you tell me about the possible effects following the injection? Increased soreness etc. Currently there is pain while walking and any flexon, extension too. I am an active and healthy person who loves to hunt and be in the outdoors.I am still lifting upper body weights and have discontinued all cardio. and lower body weight lifting. Any info you have will be appreciated. Also what is the so-called typical lenght of recovery for this injury?

[hogheaven]

I did have an MRI and it showed my medial meniscus to be fine. It has been almost 6 weeks since I injured myself and I still have pain during walking, am unable to fully straighten and flex my quads due to the pain. I was told my tear is at the femur and not tibia. Hence no surgery since this is only a second degree tear. anymore info. you have will be appreciated especially a recovery time line. Taking into account everybody is different. Thank you very much.

[Michael L Gross, MD]

PT in a brace progressing to out of the brace,should be useful at this point.

[Michael L Gross, MD]

First, a few words abut MCL injuries.  Assuming you had an MRI, and there are no injuries, the treatment for an isolated MCL injury is almost always non-operative.  My current protocol is to use a hinged brace full time for three weeks (removing it only for bathing) and three weeks daytime only.  Physical therapy is used as needed, and as strength and pain allow, activity is increased as tolerated, in the brace, during the second two weeks.
Platelet rich plasma injections have been used to decrease healing time and and speed return to activity in the athletic population.  This technique has been getting increasing attention in the press lately.  In your case this may not be necessary.  That is, there may be no compelling reason to add this treatment for an injury that will heal successfully in a short time even without it.  One caveat if you plan to go ahead with the PRP: be sure your insurance is going to pay for it.