Baxter Health surgeons will introduce a new ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection treatment at a free public event on Thursday, Nov. 19. Dr. Thomas E. Knox and Dr. Ed Roeder of the Baxter Health Bone & Joint Clinic will host the 6 p.m. session in the Gregory Room at the Mountain Home Community Center, Mountain Home Observer reported. The event aims to educate the community on this regenerative medicine option for joint and tendon injuries.
This initiative is part of Baxter Health's broader strategy to bring advanced medical care to the region, reducing the need for residents to travel to larger cities. The clinic's adoption of the XCELL PRP system, which can concentrate platelets up to 10 times the level in whole blood, represents a significant local advancement. The Mountain Home Observer noted that the equipment was donated by Bob and Mary A. Walker, friends and patients of Dr. Knox.
How Ultrasound-Guided PRP Therapy Works
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that uses the body's own healing processes. The procedure begins with the collection of a small sample of the patient’s blood. This sample is then placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins at high speed to separate the blood components. The goal is to concentrate the platelets, which are cell fragments rich in growth factors and proteins essential for tissue repair. This concentrated plasma is then injected directly into the injured area, such as a knee joint or a torn tendon.
Baxter Health’s approach combines two key innovations to enhance the treatment’s efficacy and safety. The first is the XCELL PRP system, which ensures a consistently high concentration of platelets. According to the clinic, earlier PRP methods produced varying concentrations, leading to inconsistent patient outcomes. The second advancement is the use of real-time ultrasound guidance. This allows the surgeons to visualize the needle’s path and confirm precise placement within the target tissue before injecting the plasma, which improves both safety and the likelihood of a positive result.
Treating Joint Pain with Your Own Blood
- PRP uses your own blood’s healing power to treat joint and tendon pain, avoiding foreign substances.
- Local doctors now use advanced tech for a stronger, more reliable platelet concentration and precise injections.
- This event is a free opportunity to learn if this treatment could be a good fit for your chronic pain.
Conditions Treated and Patient Eligibility
PRP injections are indicated for a range of musculoskeletal conditions where conventional treatments have provided limited relief. These include knee and hip osteoarthritis, common forms of arthritis caused by the breakdown of cartilage. The therapy is also used for tendon injuries, such as rotator cuff tendinitis in the shoulder and lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow. Other applications include ligament sprains and various soft tissue problems. The clinic positions PRP as an option for patients hoping to avoid or delay surgical intervention or for those seeking a “natural” alternative for managing chronic pain.
The treatment is particularly appealing as it utilizes the patient's own biological material, theoretically minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection. However, it is not a universal solution. The success of PRP therapy can vary depending on the specific injury, the patient's overall health, and the precise nature of the tissue damage. Baxter Health emphasizes that the event is designed to help individuals determine if PRP is a suitable option for their specific condition.
| Condition | How PRP May Help |
|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis (knee, hip) | Reduces inflammation and may slow cartilage breakdown by delivering concentrated growth factors. |
| Tendon Injuries (e.g., tennis elbow) | Stimulates the body’s natural repair process to strengthen and heal damaged tendon fibers. |
| Ligament Sprains | Accelerates the healing of stretched or torn ligaments by promoting collagen production. |
Experienced Surgeons Lead the Event
The program will be led by two highly experienced orthopedic surgeons. Dr. Thomas E. Knox has practiced orthopedic medicine in north central Arkansas for more than four decades. He is a board-certified fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a fellow of the Arthroscopy Association of North America. Dr. Ed Roeder is also a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a background in sports medicine. He trained at institutions including Stanford University and Baylor College of Medicine, and practiced in Springfield, Missouri, for 21 years before joining Baxter Health. reported that Dr. Knox recently treated a patient with an ankle injury who reported “complete pain relief” following the procedure, highlighting his optimism about the technology’s potential.
The event on Nov. 19 is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Attendees will be served a meal from Little B’s and will have the opportunity to see the XCELL PRP system demonstrated by staff from Bioventus, the company that manufactures it. Surgeons and Bioventus representatives will be available to answer questions from the community. The clinic is encouraging anyone living with persistent joint or soft tissue pain to attend to learn more about this emerging treatment option.
Avoiding PRP Treatment with Certain Conditions
Individuals with certain medical conditions should avoid this treatment. These include people with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant medication (blood thinners), as the procedure involves a blood draw and injection, which could increase bleeding risk. Patients with active infections at the proposed injection site should also not undergo the therapy. PRP is not typically recommended for individuals with certain types of cancer or severe systemic diseases. Anyone experiencing new or worsening joint or soft tissue pain should consult a qualified healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and to discuss all potential treatment options, including PRP, surgery, or physical therapy.
Broader Context: Expanding Local Specialty Care
The introduction of PRP therapy is the latest in a series of investments by Baxter Health to expand its range of specialty services. In February 2025, the hospital launched “Baxter Intelligence,” a program featuring robotic-assisted surgical technology, including the da Vinci 5 surgical robot and the Smith+Nephew CORI system for knee replacements. Earlier expansions include the opening of the Highlands Oncology clinic in May 2023 and the Baxter Health Urology Clinic in July 2024. These efforts are designed to provide advanced care closer to home, reducing travel burden for patients in the region.
This focus on specialized, technology-driven care reflects a national trend in medicine towards minimally invasive and regenerative treatments. However, the availability of such advanced procedures can be uneven. Baxter Health's initiative helps bridge this gap, but the long-term success of the PRP program will depend on its ongoing efficacy and adoption by both patients and referring physicians. The upcoming event serves as a critical step in building community awareness and trust in this new local offering.
The free event on Nov. 19 represents a proactive step by Baxter Health to educate its community on a novel treatment. Questions remain about the optimal protocols, such as the ideal number of injections, the best platelet concentration for different conditions, and which patients are most likely to benefit. The upcoming event will provide an opportunity for direct dialogue with the specialists, helping to demystify the procedure and set realistic expectations for those considering it.
