The Role of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy in Joint Arthroplasty A Mini-Review

Abstract

Orthobiologics are playing an increasingly large role in the clinical setting across multiple fields of surgery. Particularly, in the field of orthopedic surgery, the employment of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in total joint arthroscopy (TJA) has become popular for its prorupted benefits of controlling pain, blood loss, and increased wound healing. PRP was originally used for thrombolytic conditions, however, the aforementioned potential benefits have led to its increased use across various fields of medicine including dermatology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and sports medicine. Currently, there is a persisting gap in the literature surrounding the mechanism of action of PRP, as well as its true role in increasing positive patient outcomes in the context of TJA. Thus, this review aims to briefly highlight the physiological mechanisms underlining PRP therapy, evaluate recent preclinical and clinical data about its effects on TJA patient outcomes, and to describe its concomitant use in novel orthopedic applications.