Platelet rich plasma: a valid augmentation for cartilage scaffolds? A systematic review

Histol Histopathol. 2014 Jul;29(7):805-14. doi: 10.14670/HH-29.805. Epub 2014 Jan 24.

Abstract

It has been shown that modern regenerative scaffold-based procedures for the treatment of articular cartilage defects offer good clinical results, although the properties of native healthy cartilage have not yet been matched by any substitute. Several implants have been tested and clinically used over the years to promote articular surface restoration, some of them producing a hyaline-like reparative tissue. There has been an increase in the number of new biological strategies, alone and in combination with scaffolds, to enhance the clinical outcome in patients with chondral disease. Among these innovative methods, one of the most widely used is Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP), based on the rationale of using the growth factors contained in platelet alpha granules to promote tissue regeneration. The aim of the present manuscript is to review systematically the current evidence in pre-clinical and clinical studies for the use of PRP augmented scaffolds to treat chondral or osteochondral disorders.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cartilage*
  • Guided Tissue Regeneration / methods*
  • Humans
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma*
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*
  • Tissue Scaffolds*