Lakers’ Kobe Bryant undergoes experimental, innovative procedure on oft-injured right knee

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant traveled to Germany last month to undergo an experimental procedure, known as a derivation of platelet-rich plasma therapy, in an attempt to heal an arthritic joint in his ailing right knee.

Bryant, 32, underwent surgery in July 2010 to have loose bodies removed from his oft-injured knee. After the Lakers were bounced from the playoffs in the Western Conference Semifinals by the Dallas Mavericks, he expressed interest in pursuing treatment that would allow him to reach “another level.”

“Last year I had [knee] surgery,” the five-time NBA champion acknowledged in May. “The year before that, we played deep into June so I didn’t have a chance to grind like I would like to, but this summer I have that chance. What I think about is shutting up those [people] saying that I’m done.”

Other athletes who have undergone PRP procedures include golfer Tiger Woods, tennis star Rafael Nadal, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee, Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy, New York Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty, and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward.

The minimally invasive treatment has become increasingly popular in recent years, but medical experts believe continued research will need to be performed in order to gauge its effectiveness.