Analysis of platelet-rich plasma treatment efficacy for tendinopathy: from basic research to clinical study

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a quickly progressing therapeutic option to treat tendon injuries in sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery. However, the efficacy of PRP in curing tendinopathy is still in dispute. This paper reviewed the basic science research published in recent years conducted under well-controlled conditions and linked it with clinical trial results to make comparison and discussion. In fact, both in vivo and in vitro studies have described that PRP has anabolic and anti-inflammatory effects on tendons. While a number of clinical trials support the above-mentioned findings, others refute them. This review discussed the effectiveness of PRP in curing tendon injuries based on evidence presented from basic science research and the potential reasons for the controversial results in some clinical trials. In the end, it also summarized the approaches which can improve the efficacy of PRP treatment for tendinopathy. Key words: Platelet-rich plasma; Tendinopathy; Tendon injuries; Leukocytes; Blood platelets; Intercellular signaling peptides and proteins