IRAP vs PRP- Joint Treatment

[k_sandy93]

Hi all,

I'm seeking experience of IRAP treatment vs PRP treatment for joints and cartilage damage, or post joint arthroscopy. I have been given the choice of these two treatments after my mare had an operation to remove a bone fragment the other week. PRP is considerably cheaper, but I've only seen/ heard stories on it for soft tissue related injuries- not so much bone or joints. IRAP I have heard good stories over for joints, but it is a lot more expensive in comparison.

Just after peoples stories/experiences as I am totally torn.
Thanks!

 

[Marmaduke]

My understanding is that PRP is regenerative whilst IRAP is more anti inflammatory. So depends on whether specifically going for faster healing or just to curb inflammation during rehab. My horse is currently having IRAP as he has healed from initial stifle arothscopy surgery in june but may just benefit from the anti inflammatory effect which will help in continuing his rehab. He cant have steroids and has other things going on so we are attacking everything at once. It could only last up to a year but i have additional samples which i could use then. I am hoping this will see him through so i can get him fit again. There is a lack of clinical evidence and every case will involve differing factors ie length of rehab, programme of rehab, type of horse, which does make it difficult to decide! Human trials of both show good results but we are probably better at controlling the rehab which is probably the key. Joints need movement without twisting, tendons/ligaments don't want to be overstretched! Will let you know how im getting on in a few months!

 

[Mohawk]

How many joints are affected?
Typically PRP is normally used for tendon and ligament injuries - there is not a great deal of evidence that supports its use in joint injuries unless it is a soft tissue injury such as in a stifle. The advantage of IRAP is that from a single harvesting of blood you should get 5 - 7 doses of IRAP to be injected back into the joint or joints affected, whereas PRP is a single treatment. IRAP gives you more flexibility - it may be used as a course (2 or 3 injections 7-10 days apart) or even every 6 or 12 months if the joint responds well to the initial dose. IRAP is anti-inflammatory but also contains growth factors so it has a regenerative effect as well.