PLATELET RICH PLASMA IN MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is the cellular component of plasma that is obtained by centrifuging whole blood, resulting in a higher platelet concentration than whole blood. Since it contains a number of growth factors, PRP injections in the treatment of sports injuries became common practice nowadays. There are a number of recent studies assessing the effectiveness of PRP injections into lesion sites, in the treatment of tendinopathies such as lateral epicondylitis, patellar tendinopathy and achilles tendinopathy. Information is given about various aspects of the practice, and remarks are made about the necessity of studies to be carried out to define the musculoskeletal disorders that might benefit from PRP, PRP product doses, application frequency and intervals, usage of platelet stimulating additives, and standardization of rehabilitation protocols following PRP injections.