PRP or Platelet-rich plasma can be defined as the volume of the plasma fraction from autologous blood with a platelet concentration. Platelets contain many important bioactive proteins and growth factors (GFs). These factors regulate key processes in tissue repair. The rationale for the use of PRP is to stimulate the natural healing cascade and tissue regeneration by a “supraphysiologic” release of platelet-derived factors directly at the site of treatment. PRP is use to treat cartilage lesions to regenerate tissue homeostasis and retard the progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). This has been used to treat cartilage lesions to regenerate tissue homeostasis and retard the progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA).
When PRP solutions are injected directly for topical treatment, platelets are activated by endogenous thrombin and/or intra-articular collagen. GFs mediate the biological processes necessary for repair of soft tissues, such as muscle, tendon, and ligament, following acute traumatic or overuse injury.
Therapeutic application of PRP has shown promising results in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, including fractures, cartilage defects, and muscle and tendon lesions. Recent studies demonstrated that PRP combined with proper nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle can act as a preventive agent in chronic and degenerative musculoskeletal disease.