Treatment of Muscular and Tendinous Injuries With Platelet-Rich Plasma
Treatment of Muscular and Tendinous Injuries With Platelet-Rich Plasma
Musculoskeletal tendon and ligament injuries have been increasing as the active population in the United States has grown. Less invasive modes of treatment for such conditions have become increasingly popular, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a concentrated solution of autologous platelets that promotes musculoskeletal soft-tissue healing.
Mishra A, Woodall J Jr, Vieira A
Clin Sports Med. 2009;28:113-125
Dr. Mishra and colleagues reviewed the current understanding of PRP and its potential to help treat muscular and tendinous injuries. Platelets are known to release various growth factors that are associated with tissue regeneration/healing and angiogenesis, as well as a variety of chemicals (adenosine, serotonin, histamine, and calcium) that may be important in inhibiting inflammation and promoting angiogenesis. The exact mechanism of action in the context of PRP is still being investigated.
The healing process in both muscle and tendon injuries starts with an inflammatory/destruction phase, followed by a repair/proliferation phase and then by a remodeling phase. This process is affected by various factors, such as growth factors, immune cells, and numerous chemomodulators, many of which are found in PRP. Findings of in vitro studies and animal studies have suggested that PRP can potentially decrease the inflammatory response and promote the repair and remodeling phases of healing in both muscle and tendon.
There are current randomized human trials evaluating the use of PRP for tendon injuries, but there are no such ongoing trials for muscle injuries.
PRP represents a novel noninvasive treatment method for patients with acute or chronic soft-tissue musculoskeletal injuries. The popularity of PRP has increased in the medical community, and it has received increased media attention in recent years, particularly because professional athletes have undergone this procedure.
Past literature focused on the mechanism of action of PRP, but more recent studies have begun focusing on its benefit in people. As Dr. Mishra and colleagues mentioned, there is a need for further basic-science investigation, as well as randomized, controlled trials to identify the benefits, side effects, and adverse effects that may be associated with the use of PRP for muscular and tendinous injuries. Further clarification of indications and time frame is also needed.
The study discloses that Dr. Mishra has a license agreement with Biomet Biologics.
Abstract
Introduction
Musculoskeletal tendon and ligament injuries have been increasing as the active population in the United States has grown. Less invasive modes of treatment for such conditions have become increasingly popular, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a concentrated solution of autologous platelets that promotes musculoskeletal soft-tissue healing.
Treatment of Tendon and Muscle Using Platelet-rich Plasma
Mishra A, Woodall J Jr, Vieira A
Clin Sports Med. 2009;28:113-125
Summary
Dr. Mishra and colleagues reviewed the current understanding of PRP and its potential to help treat muscular and tendinous injuries. Platelets are known to release various growth factors that are associated with tissue regeneration/healing and angiogenesis, as well as a variety of chemicals (adenosine, serotonin, histamine, and calcium) that may be important in inhibiting inflammation and promoting angiogenesis. The exact mechanism of action in the context of PRP is still being investigated.
The healing process in both muscle and tendon injuries starts with an inflammatory/destruction phase, followed by a repair/proliferation phase and then by a remodeling phase. This process is affected by various factors, such as growth factors, immune cells, and numerous chemomodulators, many of which are found in PRP. Findings of in vitro studies and animal studies have suggested that PRP can potentially decrease the inflammatory response and promote the repair and remodeling phases of healing in both muscle and tendon.
There are current randomized human trials evaluating the use of PRP for tendon injuries, but there are no such ongoing trials for muscle injuries.
Viewpoint
PRP represents a novel noninvasive treatment method for patients with acute or chronic soft-tissue musculoskeletal injuries. The popularity of PRP has increased in the medical community, and it has received increased media attention in recent years, particularly because professional athletes have undergone this procedure.
Past literature focused on the mechanism of action of PRP, but more recent studies have begun focusing on its benefit in people. As Dr. Mishra and colleagues mentioned, there is a need for further basic-science investigation, as well as randomized, controlled trials to identify the benefits, side effects, and adverse effects that may be associated with the use of PRP for muscular and tendinous injuries. Further clarification of indications and time frame is also needed.
The study discloses that Dr. Mishra has a license agreement with Biomet Biologics.
Abstract
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