The use of platelet-rich plasma in joint replacement surgery

The use of orthobiologics in orthopaedic surgery continues to expand. Specifically, autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is seeing increased use in a variety of clinical scenarios ranging from augmenting tendon or ligament surgery to the non-operative treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. The inherent benefits in PRP lie in the multitude of growth factors contained in platelet alpha granules that can promote tissue healing and regeneration. More recently, PRP has been used in joint replacement surgery to aid in wound healing and decreasing blood loss. These applications are more controversial and this review seeks to evaluate the basic science background and clinical evidence regarding the use of PRP in the setting of joint replacement surgery.