What is Better, Surgery or PRP?

PRP and surgery comparison is just what’s necessary if you're trying to figure out what's new and different in a field of regenerative medicine. The choice between surgery and PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) therapy depends on the specific medical condition being treated.

Surgery may be the preferred option for conditions that require the removal or repair of damaged tissue, such as torn ligaments or cartilage.

PRP, on the other hand, is a non-surgical treatment option that involves injecting a concentrated solution of the patient's own platelets into an injured area. It's used to promote healing and reduce inflammation and pain. PRP is often used for conditions such as tendonitis, osteoarthritis, and chronic ligament injuries.

The choice between surgery and PRP will ultimately depend on the specific needs of each patient and the recommendation of a healthcare provider. Both have their own risks and benefits, and the decision should be made after a thorough evaluation and discussion with a medical professional.

Here is a quick summary of comparison per area and its results:

Comparison	Surgery	PRP
Procedure type	invasive	non-invasive
Length of the procedure	hours	minutes
Pain level during procedure	​none	none
​Pain level after procedure	high level and long in duration	none to low
Other medications after procedure	required	none
Physical therapy	required	none
Risk	high	low
Cost	expensive	cost-effective
Results/Outcomes	beneficial	beneficial

1. What is a major difference between surgery and PRP procedure?

Surgery procedure is invasive, while PRP treatment is non-invasive.

In contrast to joint replacement surgeries, which are invasive and alter an individual’s anatomy, PRP therapies offer an alternative treatment path that is designed to be as minimally invasive as possible. The PRP procedure's characteristics and simplicity on its surface do not minimize the fact that it still needs an expert physician and specialized equipment to provide the treatment. The complexity of the procedure might be underestimated without a complete understanding of the body's reaction to its natural ability to heal.

Despite the popularity of minimally invasive regenerative treatments, PRP might not be appropriate for many conditions. Surgery, although invasive and carrying more risks than PRP injections, might be the only option for many patients. But the options continue to expand with new developments in non-invasive treatment choices that your regenerative physician can offer you. PRP should not be attempted without a qualified physician for many good reasons.

2. How long is surgery vs PRP treatment?

The surgery takes hours, whereas PRP injection takes minutes.

Unlike surgery, PRP injection is fast and treatment lasts approximately 45 minutes, including blood draw and preparation. For example, hip replacement surgery typically lasts two to three hours, knee replacement one to three hours, and shoulder replacement one to two hours. The length of the procedure may vary depending on the severity of the condition and complications that may arise during the operation. It also depends on the patient if he is undergoing a full or partial joint replacement.

3. How painful is surgery in comparison to PRP treatment?

During Surgery you don’t feel pain, and during PRP treatment you don’t feel pain.

Joint replacement surgery is done under general anesthesia, meaning that the patient is

asleep and doesn't experience any pain. After the patient wakes up from the procedure, strong pain medication is usually necessary to bring the pain down.

PRP treatment is done under local anesthesia, usually using lidocaine injection or a cooling spray at the injection site. The area is well-numbed, so the procedure is painless. The patient might feel light pressure at the injection site during the PRP injection and minutes after.

4. What is the pain level after surgical procedure compared to PRP treatment?

Surgery high and long while PRP has none.

Pain level after surgery is usually high and is managed with strong pain medications. The patient also needs medications to prevent infection and blood clots.

PRP treatment is relatively painless. If the discomfort presents, the pain is controlled with Tylenol and heat applications. There is no need for medications to prevent infection or blood clots.

5. Do we need Physical Therapy after surgical procedure or PRP treatment?

Unlike PRP treatment, surgery requires weeks or months of therapy.

After the surgery, the patient will see physical and occupational therapists to learn how to move safely with minimal pain. With the help of PT and OT, the patient will regain mobility and strength during the lengthy healing process.

Some doctors prescribe physical therapy seven to ten days after PRP injections because the inflammatory response occurs during the first seven to ten days. The patient shouldn't stress the injected area but may perform gentle activities during this short period.

6. What is postop Recovery Time window for PRP vs surgery?

Surgery recovery time is extensive, while PRP takes minutes.

Recovery after the surgery takes weeks or even months, while PRP takes minutes to recover.

Recovery time from anesthesia takes about two hours. The patient will be unable to do specific movements for a few weeks. For example, one to two days after hip or knee replacement surgery, the patient can get out of bed with assistance and move around using a walker or crutches. Hospital stay is usually three to four days. Three to six weeks after the procedure, the patient can do most light activities, drive, and walk without a walker or crutches. Ten to twelve weeks after the operation, the patient may be able to return to all normal activities. In the case of shoulder surgery, it may take four to six months to begin activities like heavy lifting. It may take up to one year to fully regain strength and range of motion.

The patient is ready to go home minutes after the PRP procedure and can use treated areas immediately. The patient is encouraged to perform light exercises but avoid strenuous activities for about two weeks.

7. What are the differences in risks associated with PRP treatment vs Surgery?

Unlike the surgery, PRP treatment risks are low to minimal.

Any major surgery involving general anesthesia carries a risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, arrhythmia, and pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. One of the most common and severe complications related to joint replacement surgery is the formation of blood clots that can present in the legs and/or lungs. Other risks of surgery are superficial infections that can be managed with antibiotics and deep tissue infections that require one, if not two, additional surgical procedures. The risks are higher for people who are overweight, have diabetes, anemia, inflammatory diseases, or have blood clotting disorders. Although the risk of infection decreases as the surgical wound heals, it never goes away. Patients are given antibiotics before and after the procedure to prevent or decrease the potential infections spreading to the implant. It is also possible for muscles, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves around the surgical area to be damaged during operation.

For example, the injury to the surrounding hip structures may result in weakness or decreased feeling in a leg. Another potential risk of joint replacement surgery is loosening the prostheses bond to the bone. Also, it is possible to end up with a different leg length after a hip surgery. Finally, depending on the lifestyle, the joint replacement device may need to be replaced later in life. The lifespan of current replacements can range from ten to fifteen years or longer.

PRP injection is a low-risk procedure that typically doesn't cause significant side effects. Because PRP comes from the patient's blood, the risk of an allergic reaction is extremely low compared to other injectable medications, such as corticosteroids. Because the procedure involved a blood draw, the patient may experience lightheadedness that can be avoided with proper hydration. After the procedure, some soreness and bruising may be experienced at the injection site. Rare risks of PRP injections include bleeding, tissue damage, nerve injury, and infection. All of them can be prevented when performed by a highly trained physician who uses a strict aseptic technique and proper equipment, such as ultrasound, that helps guide a needle into the right site.

8. What are the costs of PRP Joint Injections and Joint Replacement Surgery in West Palm Beach?

The surgical cost is high while PRP is cost effective.

Total knee replacement surgery in the West Palm Beach area varies significantly, with prices between $15,00 and $70,000. For example, according to the Journal of Orthopedic Surgery and Research, knee replacement surgery costs $29,300. The out-of-pocket cost depends on the coverage level of the insured patient. Insurance companies only pay a portion of the amount billed by the hospital. Even if the insurance covers the joint replacement surgery, the patient may still be responsible for a considerable out-of-pocket cost. For example, if the patient's co-insurance is 20% and the yearly out-of-pocket maximum is $7,200, the patient is still liable for a $7,200 bill after the surgery and recovery. There are further charges, such as physical therapy or rehabilitation, after the patient leaves the hospital. Outpatient therapy costs can be significantly less compared to inpatient costs. If the replacement device has to be replaced later in life, the patient encounters additional expenses.

The cost of a PRP joint injection varies depending on location, facilities, and the physician's expertise performing the treatment. The cost of a single injection typically is in the range of $500 and $2,500. Patients may require repeat treatments depending on the severity of the joint and surrounding structures injury. Usually, health insurance doesn't cover PRP injections.

9. What are the Results or outcomes of the PRP treatments and surgery procedures?

Both PRP treatment and surgery procedure produce beneficial improvements to the quality of life for patients.

Both surgery and PRP provide equally positive benefits while not factoring in possible mitigative circumstances. Surgery is the only option for patients with a severe stage of joint degeneration (totally bone on bone). For other patients, PRP injections might be an option for arthritis pain management and treatment if they want to avoid invasive surgery, reduce risk, high cost, physical therapy, additional medications, unnecessary recovery time and pain.

What is better PRP or surgery?

Whether PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy or surgery is better depends on the individual case and the condition being treated. There is no universally "better" option as both have their advantages and disadvantages.

PRP therapy is minimally invasive, has little to no downtime, and uses the patient's own blood to promote healing, making it a less risky and less invasive option. However, the results of PRP therapy can be more unpredictable and may require multiple treatments.

In this comparison we may say that both options are equally beneficial, and the best way to

find out is to consult regenerative physician.

To find out more or schedule free consultation with the therapy follow this link or submit your inquiry on the form below. We would be happy to see if our services meet your needs. Our concierge Functional Care services provide availability to meet with you even outside of our office walls, which are in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens.