Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma to Enhance Tissue Repair

For over 20 years, autologous blood products such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have been employed as a means to facilitate the healing process in fields such as orthopedics, dentistry, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic, and maxillofacial surgery. Proponents of this therapy advocate its effectiveness as a safe and natural way to expedite the healing process. Recent investigations of the specific growth factors present in PRP advocate its promise as an emerging therapy at the clinical level. However, there exist few controlled trials to objectively examine the proposed benefits of this therapy. Although some studies demonstrate promising results, the bulk of published data are largely anecdotal and the sample sizes are small. This article reviews the biological mechanisms by which PRP facilitates healing as well as the current clinical research that has investigated PRP therapy as a treatment for musculoskeletal injuries, such as tendonitis, tennis elbow, rotator cuff repair, Achilles tendon repair, muscle injuries, bone injuries, and anterior cruciate ligament repair. The increased prevalence of PRP therapy in treating musculoskeletal injuries warrants a more thorough investigation of its actual benefits if we are to endorse it as an effective therapy.