Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2021, Vol. 25 ›› Issue (20): 3239-3245.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.3140

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Applicability and specifications of platelet-rich plasma in musculoskeletal repair

Zuo Xiuqin1, Yin Sasa1, Xie Huimin1, Jia Zishan1, Zhang Lining1, 2   

  1. 1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine,  the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China; 2Department of Orthopedics, the Military Prevention and Treatment Center for Training Injury, the Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
  • Received:2020-05-20 Revised:2020-05-29 Accepted:2020-07-09 Online:2021-07-18 Published:2021-01-18
  • Contact: Jia Zishan, MD, Chief physician, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China Zhang Lining, MD, Associate chief physician, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China; Department of Orthopedics, the Military Prevention and Treatment Center for Training Injury, the Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
  • About author:Zuo Xiuqin, Master, Attending physician, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
  • Supported by:
    Plant Nursery Project of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 18KMM36 (to ZXQ); Military Medical Program for the Youth, No. QNF19019 (to ZXQ); Military Medical Innovation Program, No. CX19005 (to ZLN)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma has been widely used in the musculoskeletal field to promote tissue repair and regeneration.
OBJECTIVE: To review the application and progress of platelet-rich plasma in the musculoskeletal repair.
METHODS: Databases of PubMed, Wed of Science, WanFang and CNKI were searched for the articles concerning platelet-rich plasma in musculoskeletal system diseases published from January 1977 to February 2020. The keywords were “platelet rich plasma, PRP” in English and Chinese, respectively. Finally, 63 articles eligible for the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included for result analysis. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Platelet-rich plasma, derived from autogenous sources, has been used in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis; however, its clinical efficacy remains controversial. There are no standardized, high-quality, and large-sample randomized controlled trials regarding platelet-rich plasma in the musculoskeletal repair, and most studies lack long-term follow-up, which requires further clarification. Platelet-rich plasma can be used as an adjunct therapy in patients with rotator cuff injuries. Most studies on the treatment of lateral epicondylitis of the humerus have a positive effect. Platelet-rich plasma injection for treating carpal tunnel syndrome can reduce patient’s pain, improve sensory and motor functions, and lower the incidence of complications, which can be used as a treatment method for mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. Multiple injections of platelet-rich plasma are a suitable choice for patients with chronic patella tendinitis who are not surgically treated. However, some problems still need to be clarified: there is no unified standard for the preparation of platelet-rich plasma; the relevant mechanism of action has not been elucidated; the optimal indication and treatment parameters are not yet clear, which need to be further clarified.

Key words: platelet-rich plasma, knee osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear, lateral epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome

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