Biologic-based therapies for cartilage pathology have gained popularity and have gathered significant expectation as the future of sports medicine, based on several theoretical advantages, including minimal invasiveness, greater healing potential, faster recovery, and a less expensive alternative to surgery. This article reviews the role of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating osteoarthritis. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): The term PRP was first coined by hematologist in 1970s to denote plasma with a platelet count higher than that of peripheral blood.
Platelet Biology: Platelets are primarily responsible for homeostasis, and this involves three processes: adhesion, activation, and aggregation. Studies have suggested that platelets contain an abundance of growth factors (GFs) and cytokines that can affect inflammation, angiogenesis, stem cell migration, and cell proliferation. The…
