Platelet Concentrates in Musculoskeletal Medicine

Abstract

Platelet concentrates (PCs), mostly represented by platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) are autologous biological blood-derived products that may combine plasma/platelet-derived bioactive components, together with fibrin-forming protein able to create a natural three-dimensional scaffold. These types of products are safely used in clinical applications due to the autologous-derived source and the minimally invasive application procedure. In this narrative review, we focus on three main topics concerning the use of platelet concentrate for treating musculoskeletal conditions: (a) the different procedures to prepare PCs, (b) the composition of PCs that is related to the type of methodological procedure adopted and (c) the clinical application in musculoskeletal medicine, efficacy and main limits of the different studies.

Platelet-Rich Plasma: New Performance Understandings and Therapeutic Considerations in 2020

“…Through experimental and clinical research, we now have a better understanding of platelet and other cellular physiology. Furthermore, several high-quality systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials signify the effectiveness of PRP biotechnology in many medical fields, including dermatology [ 45 ], cardiac surgery [ 46 ], plastic surgery [ 47 ], orthopedic surgery [ 48 ], pain management [ 49 ], spinal disorders [ 50 ], and sports medicine [ 51 , 52 ].…”

Platelet-Rich Plasma: New Performance Understandings and Therapeutic Considerations in 2020

“…There is no consensus on optimal rehabilitation protocols after PRP treatment for MSK disorders, even though basic science studies suggest clear roles for physical therapy and mechanical loading in the restoration of tendon structure post-PRP injections (178) PRP treatment involves injecting concentrated platelets in the local tissue milieu to modulate pain and foster tissue repair (179) (180). The strongest clinical evidence exists in knee OA.…”

Utilization of lyophilized platelet-rich plasma in esthetic facial treatment

“…In addition, different centrifugation systems for producing PRP have been developed with different leukocyte concentrations. According to the literature, the reference ranges of leukocyte concentration are from 0 to 50×10 3 /μl [5]. In this system, the range of leukocyte concentrations was approximately 0.1-0.3×10 3 /μl.…”

“…In addition, over-concentrated or large amounts of injection might yield poor treatment results. This might be related to the amount of white blood cells or proinflammatory substances within the plasma [5].…”