PRP-Augmented Scaffolds for Cartilage Regeneration: A Systematic Review

Modern regenerative procedures for articular cartilage defects have proved to provide good replacement of damaged cartilage, although, at present, the properties of a native healthy cartilage are still not achievable by any substitute. Several scaffolds have been tested and clinically used over the years to help the restoration of articular surface, some of them producing a hyaline-like reparative tissue. Concurrently, biological strategies are used more extensively, alone or in combination with scaffolds, to enhance the clinical outcome in patients with chondral disease. Among these innovative methods, one of the widest used is platelet-rich plasma, with the rationale of taking advantage of the huge amount of GFs contained in platelets to promote cartilage regeneration. The aim of the present manuscript is to review systematically the current evidence in preclinical and clinical practice concerning platelet-rich plasma–augmented scaffolds to treat cartilage disorders.