Orthobiologics and platelet rich plasma

Abstract

Orthobiologics have evolved to the extent that they significantly influence modern orthopedic surgical practice. A better understanding of the role of various growth factors and cells in the process of tendon healing, ligament repair, cartilage regeneration and bone formation has stimulated focused research in many chronic musculoskeletal ailments. Investigators have published results of laboratory as well as clinical studies, using orthobiologics like platelet rich plasma, stem cells, autologous conditioned serum etc., with variable results. However, a clear consensus over the best orthobiologic substance and the method of preparation and usage of these substances is lacking. Much of the confusion is due to the fact that studies ranging from RCTs to case reports present variable results, and the interpretations are wide-ranging. We have reviewed the available orthobiologics related data with a focus on platelet rich plasma in orthopedic conditions.

Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection for distal biceps tendinopathy

“…Platelet concentrations greater than five times normal may actually have a detrimental effect on tendon healing. 20 The main weakness of the present study is the small number of patients. Distal biceps tendinopathy is, however, a rare condition.…”

Can Platelet rich plasma stimulate human ACL growth in culture? A preliminary experience

“…However, the difference in effectiveness of 10% PRP was not significantly bet-© C I C E d i z i o n i I n t e r n a z i o n a l i preparation of PRP. Preparation of PRP was done in a sterile manner by the Department of Transfusion Medicine of our institution, following a pre defined protocol which has been previously used in other studies by us [17][18][19] . The whole blood obtained from the patient's antecubital vein was transferred from the blood bag into two different sterile tubes of 50 ml each using a blood transfusion set, inside the bio safety cabinet (BIOAIRSafe flow 1.2, type 2).…”

Could a disruptive out patient healthcare delivery model reduce escalating in-hospital healthcare costs in knee osteoarthritis

“…The recent emergence of autologous orthobiologics derived from blood, platelets, plasma, bone marrow progenitor cells and fat-derived mesenchymal stem cells has opened up a gamut of percutaneous options for OA 6. Percutaneous interventional radiological (IR) procedures lend well to a minimally invasive approach without an open surgical wound or a foreign metallic implant.…”