Platelet Rich Plasma A New Horizon in Orthopedics

Abstract

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a new technology gained a big interest in the last years as it works on accelerating the healing process of tissues. It has been defined as 3-8 folds of normal platelet concentration in human it is prepared by collecting a small amount of blood from the patient then putting this blood in centrifugation system that separate the red blood cells from the plasma which become rich in platelets then injected back into the patient in the place that needs to be regenerated. So it is autologous, safe, easily prepared and injected and no fear of rejection or infection. The factors that affects the final product of PRP is the initial amount taken from the patient ,the efficacy of the centrifugation system in separation of red blood cells, the amount of growth factors in the PRP sample and the normal variation in platelet concentration among individuals. The application of PRP has been documented in many fields, as orthopedics, dentistry, otolaryngology, neurosurgery, wound healing, cosmetic, cardiothoracic, maxillofacial surgery and dermatology. Its use in orthopedics has increased as it aid in bone healing by enhancing release of osteogenic factors and accelerating the bone healing process so it is used in cases of nonunion ,delayed union, distraction osteogenesis and spinal fusion. In cartilage healing by stimulating chondrogenesis it is used in cases of osteoarthritis, meniscal tear and intervertebral disk degeneration. It is used also in ligament healing as anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament repair.