PRP injections for a torn and degenerative meniscus in left knee at 50

You should pose that question to the forum and have those who’ve been down that route offer you feedback. You know that PRP is not an FDA approved procedure due to its poor track record in trials and it’s not covered by most plans least of all Medicare. But some docs love it because it’s a nice fee for them so they offer hope. As some people have said it works for them nd not so for others. Here is some data I pulled off a web search. Good luck and keep walking.
“ Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are a promising treatment for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) that can: Reduce pain, Improve joint function, Increase range of motion, Improve mobility, and Slow down the progression of KOA.
PRP injections are made by spinning a patient's blood to concentrate platelets, which release growth factors. These growth factors are then combined with hyaluronic acid, a natural joint lubricant, to stimulate the joint to produce more lubrication.
Here are some things to consider about PRP injections for KOA:
Effectiveness
PRP injections are effective for early-stage KOA, and for late-stage KOA in patients 67 and older. A 2021 study found that PRP was successful 60% of the time.
Duration of effects
The effects of PRP injections can last up to 12 months, but some studies found no benefits after 24 months. Multiple injections may be needed over time.
Side effects
After the procedure, you may experience some redness and swelling. You should avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as they may block the effect of PRP.
Cost
PRP injections can cost between $800 and $1500.
More research is needed to fully support the long-term benefits of PRP injections for KOA”

If you try a new post regarding knee replacement I’m certain you’ll receive many replies to help satisfy your curiosity. I’m thought from your original post that you were further along in the knee injury arena. Avoiding surgery is the best action at all costs until either you cannot tolerate the pain or your inability to ambulate like you want is increasing. Good luck !

PRP is not covered by insurance but is not out of the mainstream of medicine. Both MGH and Spaulding in Boston recommend it and the Wellesley MA clinic is amassing studies on the PRP they do, in order to get approval and insurance coverage. My local orthopedist is training to do it.

As I wrote before, it was a miracle for my daughter's knee and SI jpint after years of unproductive PT. Her PRP porcedures have lasted 10 years. She had surgery at age 10 for vertical tightening of the knee and the PRP accomplished lateral tightening of the joint.

FWIW, I see PRP as an expensive and temporary fix, with results not guaranteed. If a patient's knee has degraded to this point, a TKR may be a better option.

Some people are concerned about TKR surgery. I think it has a long track record and has become even better with robotic assistance.

The patient has to do both pre-surgery and post-surgery rehab on the knee. It is time consuming and boring. Vigorous rehab goes a long way toward ensuring a good outcome. I'm 70 now, had both knees replaced in 2022 four months apart (Stryker/Mako robotic assistant used) and couldn't be happier about my knees. I spin 5x/week and can do anything in the gym EXCEPT impact exercises - so no running, BB, racquetball, jumprope. I was a marathon runner and miss that from time to time. But my running days were over long before the surgery.

PRP lasted 10 years and to some extent is still working for my daughter. I don't really consider that "temporary." It worked better than surgery for her.

Wow, that's incredible! What were her circumstances? Was she bone on bone in the affected joint? Thanks.

No, sorry that was not her situation (bone on bone) @heyjoe415. It seems many have joint replacments when it is bone on bone but it is worth talking to a doctor about options. I have read about injections of something (fat?) between the bones to cushion them but cannot recall the details.

I had my meniscus removed. Haven't had a problem yet!!!!! My surgery was 2007! See if the doctor will do that

I took a series of injections about a year ago for a very swollen tennis elbow. Insurance wouldn't cover the cost, about $700 per injection, but the Veterans Administration in Palo Alto, adjacent to Stanford University, offered free injections. I did get some short-term relief, but within a few months after the injections, the pain and swelling returned. I chose not to have my torn elbow ligaments surgically repaired several years prior having already gone under the knife for two chronic dislocating shoulders and both surgeries left me with a major loss to my range of movement, and now, sixty years later am suffering with painful arthritis in both shoulders. I should add that the surgeries were done before the advent of arthroscopics.

I have had PRP at Mayo Clinic on both knees with very good success (more than a year ago). I will say that if you want PRP to work, FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS. One thing I also did was I took my nutrition to another level and ate a clean diet - no inflamatory foods, no processed foods, no sugar. Some places also do not have optimal equipment to "spin out" adequate clean stem cells that are what you want. There are companies that are not well advertised that have been around awhile, have patents and their way your blood is processed is longer than the short 30-60 minutes most places take. REGENEX might be something to look at for research. They are reputable and I have interviewed with Q Kinetix- but if you want a great place- one that pays for advertising is not one of them. Mayo was sound and affordable enough for me.