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PRP for Knees: The Complete Guide to Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Joint Pain Relief in Singapore

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has become an increasingly common regenerative medicine treatment for a variety of joint conditions affecting the knee, hip, ankle, shoulder, elbow and wrist conditions. This non-surgical option is suitable for individuals struggling with joint pain, particularly those with osteoarthritis or sports-related injuries in the knee.

PRP has been utilised widely in orthopaedic treatments for the last 15 – 20 years, with growing high-level medical literature supporting its effectiveness. In this article, we will discuss the different aspects of PRP therapy, from how it works to its potential benefits in helping you recover and regain the mobility of the knee joint.

Figure 1 – Dr Tan Shi Ming injecting a patient’s knee with joint condition

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)?

PRP is derived from an individual’s own blood. Blood has various components, the main one being plasma. Plasma is the liquid component of blood and makes up to 55% of its total volume. It is the yellow-coloured fluid in which cellular components such as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are suspended in.

The constituents of plasma itself include

Water (up to 90% of its volume)
Electrolytes
Proteins
Nutrients (e.g. glucose)
Hormones

Figure 2 – Blood sample before centrifugation and after centrifugation

PRP is essentially autologous plasma with a platelet concentration that is about five times greater than baseline blood levels. Platelets contain growth factors (also known as healing factors).

With an increased concentration of platelets within a small volume of plasma, PRP releases an enhanced concentration of growth factors within a localised tissue or region when injected. PRP injections into areas like the knee joints promotes healing and tissue repair of the injured tissues.

How PRP Works

Blood-Taking:
A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient, similar to any routine blood tests. This can be done in the clinic setting.
Processing: The blood is placed into a special tube and then put into a centrifuge machine, which spins for 10–15 minutes. This process separates out the different components of blood into different layers, allowing for the platelet-rich plasma layer to be obtained.
Injection: The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is injected into the affected joint or area.
Healing Response: Once injected, the concentrated platelets within plasma will release growth factors in high quantities to enhance tissue healing and regeneration.

Figure 3 – A preparation of PRP after centrifugation

Benefits of PRP Procedures

Quick
Uses the patient’s own blood (low risk of rejection)
Minimally invasive
Short recovery time (compared to surgical interventions)
Helps to trigger and enhance recovery from common joint conditions

Who is a Good Candidate for PRP Injections?

Patients with the following joint conditions: Mild to Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis
Tendinopathies and Tendonitis
Ligamentous Strains and Partial Tears
Meniscal Injuries
Patients who have failed conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, oral medications, knee bracing / support, corticosteroid injections or joint supplementation
Patients who may not be suitable for surgery

Effectiveness of PRP in the Knee Joint

Osteoarthritis: Extensive studies involving large volumes of patients have shown that PRP can improve symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of range of motion in mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. Some studies have also shown it can delay the need for surgical intervention in moderate arthritis.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Research has shown positive outcomes with the use of PRP in treating tendon and ligament injuries. Good outcomes are notably seen with PRP treatment in conjunction with bracing for ligamentous strains and partial tears, tendonitis and mild to moderate meniscal injuries.

Figure 4 – PRP can benefit patients with osteoarthritis and soft tissue injuries

Risks and Side Effects

As with all medical procedures, there are associated risks. As a minimally invasive treatment option, these risks are low and the PRP procedure is generally considered to be safe. The side effects are also minor when compared to surgical interventions.

Risks: Infection, minor bleeding, possible neurovascular injuries
Side Effects: Temporary pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site.

Recent Advancements in PRP Formulations

In recent years, PRP technology has seen several advancements. Modern systems offer some key advantages:

Patented cell capture technology: allows for tailored PRP formulations based on patient needs
Higher Platelet Yield: Up to 16 times the baseline platelet concentration
Cleaner PRP: By reducing haematocrit and neutrophils, unwanted blood components are minimised, which can reduce side effects such as post-injection swelling. This is particularly beneficial for knee joint applications.
Efficient Processing: Processes 20–80 ml of blood in about 15 minutes without requiring specialised equipment.
Reduced Contamination Risk: Needleless injection ports further minimise the risk of contamination.

Figure 5 – Modern PRP preparation system that delivers high platelet concentration while minimising unwanted blood components for a cleaner injectate.

Conclusion

PRP has emerged as an important regenerative medicine treatment over the past 3 decades. It is very useful as a therapy in common sporting injuries and degenerative cartilage conditions of the knee and other joints.

PRP can be utilised as a main treatment option or as an adjunct treatment option together with other oral or intra-articular joint treatments. Many surgeons also utilise PRP in surgeries as an adjunct ortho-biologic to support healing.

Speak to your orthopaedic specialist today to see if PRP is suitable to be included in your overall treatment strategy.

March 30, 2026

Understanding Dry Eye & How to Manage It Better

Prof. Dr. Louis Tong from Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC)

1. What is dry eye disease?

Dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the quality of tears is poor and they evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential to keep the surface of the eye healthy, comfortable, and vision clear. When tear balance is disrupted, patients may experience dryness, irritation, redness, burning, fluctuating vision, excessive tearing, or a gritty “sand-like” sensation. Dry eye can be temporary or long-term, and its severity can vary from mild discomfort to symptoms that significantly affect daily life, work, and screen use.

2. Why is it important to treat dry eye early and consistently?

Dry eye is often a chronic condition, meaning it usually requires ongoing care rather than a one-time treatment. If left untreated, dry eye can lead to persistent discomfort, unstable vision, inflammation, and damage to the eye surface.

Regular treatment helps to:

Improve eye comfort
Stabilize vision
Protect the ocular surface
Prevent worsening of symptoms over time
Consistency is important; treatments work best when eyedrops are used as prescribed by your eye doctor, even when symptoms feel better.

3. What are artificial tears and how do they help?

Artificial tears are lubricating eye drops designed to supplement your natural tears.

They help to:

Moisten the eye surface
Reduce irritation and dryness
Improve visual clarity
Support healing of the ocular surface

They are often the first-line treatment for dry eye and are safe for long-term use when used appropriately.

4. Why are there so many types of artificial tears in the market?

Not all dry eyes are the same. This is why there are many different formulations of artificial tears available. They may differ in:

Thickness (viscosity):
Thinner drops feel lighter and are suitable for mild dry eye or frequent use, while thicker gels or ointments provide longer relief but may blur vision temporarily
Ingredients:
Some focus on water replacement, others improve tear stability or reduce evaporation, while certain drops support the healing of the eye surface. For instance, formulations with sodium hyaluronate are hydrating and help promote ocular surface repair, making them especially useful for moderate to severe dry eye or tear instability.
Preservative vs preservative-free:
Preservative-free drops are often recommended for frequent use or sensitive eyes while preserved drops may be suitable for occasional use. Multi-dose preservative-free (MDPF) formulations like Evolve HA stay sterile for 90 days after opening and are suitable for sensitive eyes and post-procedure care.

EVOLVE HA Eyedrops — Figure 1 – Evolve HA eye drops (sodium hyaluronate 0.2%) – an example of a multi-dose preservative-free eye drop, for moderate to severe dry eye symptom relief.

Because dry eye can involve tear deficiency, tear instability, inflammation, or eyelid gland dysfunction, your doctor may recommend a specific type of artificial tear that best matches your condition.

5. Why does my eye doctor recommend a particular eye drop for me?

Your eye doctor’s recommendation is based on:

The type and severity of your dry eye
Your symptoms and examination findings
How often you need to use the drops
Your lifestyle (screen use, contact lenses, work environment)

Using the recommended drop correctly and consistently gives you the best chance of symptom relief. If a drop causes discomfort, blurring, or does not seem effective, it is important to inform your doctor rather than stopping it on your own.

6. Do you provide specialized care for dry eye?

Yes, for severe dry eye cases with other complications, we offer comprehensive assessment and personalized management through our dedicated Dry Eye Clinic services at Singapore National Eye Centre. Our approach focuses on identifying the underlying causes of dry eye and tailoring treatment plans that may include eye drops and advanced therapies when needed. Whereas for the mild and moderate types of dry eye with no other complications, you can be taken care by your regular eye care professionals like Optometrists and general ophthalmologists.

7. What is the key message for patients with dry eye?

Dry eye is common, manageable, and treatable. With the right diagnosis, appropriate eye drops, regular warm compresses, and ongoing education, most patients can achieve good symptom control and improved quality of life. Staying informed, consistent with treatment, and engaged in shared learning makes a meaningful difference.

8. Is there a platform where I can learn more and connect with other dry eye patients?

Yes. Patients with dry eye are encouraged to join our education and patient-sharing platform on the Friends of the Dry Eye Service Substack page here.

On this platform, patients can:

Learn more about dry eye and available treatments
Read educational articles written for patients
Participate in constructive discussions
Share real-life experiences and coping strategies
Share your stories dealing with various types of treatment for dry eye

December 5, 2025

Bad knees holding you back? Cartilage repair may help you bounce back

An orthopaedic surgeon explains how treatment innovations are supporting knee health and speeding up recovery.

Years of engaging in sporting activities had taken a toll on one of Dr Francis Wong Keng Lin’s patients, a man in his mid-50s. Despite undergoing treatments like injections and physiotherapy, the patient – a competitive golfer with an active lifestyle – continued to struggle with cartilage damage in his knee.

Cartilage is a thin layer of connective tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint, such as in the knee, allowing smooth movement. With no blood or nerve supply, patients may not immediately notice damage caused by injury or ageing.

“You feel pain when the cartilage damage is so significant that the bone is no longer supported. This triggers a chain reaction, where other parts of the joint become inflamed constantly,” said Dr Wong, orthopaedic surgeon-scientist and senior consultant at Oxford Cartilage & Sports Centre, Oxford Orthopaedics, and adjunct associate professor in the department of orthopaedic surgery at the National University of Singapore.

“For my patient, when non-surgical treatments were no longer effective, he underwent cartilage repair together with a meniscus repair. The procedure restores the smooth surface of the knee joint, allowing it to function properly again,” he shared.

TREATMENT OPTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS

Dr Francis Wong Keng Lin, orthopaedic surgeon-scientist and senior consultant at Oxford Cartilage & Sports Centre, Oxford Orthopaedics, says cartilage repair plans should be tailored to each patient. Photo: Francis Wong Keng Lin

According to Dr Wong, there are several ways to treat cartilage damage, ranging from conservative measures like physical therapy and over-the-counter medications to intermediate treatments that use hyaluronic acid-based injections, and more invasive procedures like debridement or cartilage repair surgery.

He explained that when developing a treatment plan, each patient should be viewed holistically. This means taking into consideration their activity level, medical history and personal expectations, along with assessing the severity of the cartilage damage. Where possible, cartilage-preserving procedures – such as knee cartilage repair – are preferred over knee replacement, as maintaining the natural joint maximises options for any future treatments that may be required, said Dr Wong.

Patients who need surgical knee cartilage repair may also prefer minimally invasive treatment, choosing keyhole surgery over open procedures, he added. With keyhole surgery, injury to the muscles and tendons around the joint is minimised, enabling faster recovery.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE MICROFRACTURE TECHNIQUE

One of the earliest surgical methods used to treat cartilage damage is microfracture, a keyhole procedure where surgeons create small holes in the bone about 2mm to 4mm wide and 3mm deep. Microfracture is widely available, cost-effective and relatively straightforward to perform.

The main challenge with microfracture lies in its demanding recovery and the risk of “burning bridges” for future procedures. “Patients must avoid putting weight on the affected joint and refrain from exercise or sport for up to nine months. Once a microfracture is performed, the subchondral bone may have poorer response to subsequent cartilage treatments,” noted Dr Wong.

Other possible risks include trauma to the subchondral bone, the layer that supports the cartilage from beneath. In some cases, cysts or bone spurs may develop, causing further damage and accelerating wear and tear.

Research shows that cartilage formed through microfractures may be of poorer quality and less able to withstand normal knee stresses. “This is what we refer to as scarring cartilage. Eventually, it breaks down after two or more years and patients may once again experience joint pain,” said Dr Wong.

To overcome these limitations, newer approaches focus on enhancing the body’s natural healing response.

SUPPORTING CARTILAGE REPAIR WITH BIOLOGICAL SCAFFOLDING

A close-up view of a hyaluronic-acid scaffold used to aid cartilage repair. Photo: Wellchem Pharmaceuticals

To encourage cartilage regeneration, Dr Wong uses a technique that supports the body’s own repair process. He prepares the bone surface to allow small punctate bleeding (tiny bleeds that release healing cells) from the bone marrow, then fills the damaged area with a biodegradable, non-woven scaffold made of hyaluronic acid fibres such as Hyalofast, which serves as a framework for new cartilage growth.

Dr Wong explained that hyaluronic acid is a key building block of cartilage. The scaffold captures bone marrow bleeding to form what he describes as a superclot, which stimulates nearby healthy cartilage to grow into the area. Over time, the scaffold dissolves, making way for new tissue to form.

In the golfer’s case, Dr Wong used the Hyalofast scaffold to repair the cartilage. Because the procedure is less restrictive in its recovery compared to older methods, the patient was able to participate in tournaments within six months.

BACK TO ACTIVE LIVING

For many patients, cartilage repair helps restore mobility and allows them to resume activities they enjoy. “I have patients back in sports with no issues,” said Dr Wong. “One is a basketballer in his 20s who returned to competitive training six months after his procedure.”

He advises individuals who undergo knee cartilage repair to focus on rebuilding their range, strength and balance through activities such as resistance training, yoga and reformer pilates. “For those unsure how to start, I always recommend a visit to their orthopaedic doctor or physiotherapist for an assessment of what can be done to improve their musculoskeletal health,” he said.

Speak to your orthopaedic surgeon about treatment options for knee pain.