USE OF PLATELET-RICH PLASMA THERAPY IN RECOVERY FROM ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has gained prominence as a promising approach in regenerative medicine, especially in the treatment of orthopedic injuries. PRP is an autologous concentrate of platelets suspended in plasma, rich in growth factors and bioactive cytokines that promote tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and modulation of the inflammatory response. This review article aims to critically analyze the advances, clinical applications, and limitations of PRP in different types of musculoskeletal injuries, such as tendinopathies, ligament, muscle, cartilage, and bone injuries. A literature review was performed in the main medical databases using the descriptors “platelet rich plasma” and “orthopedic injury”, using the Boolean operator “AND”. All articles published between 2020-2025 were included in the primary analysis. Experimental studies and clinical trials demonstrate that PRP can accelerate tendon healing, stimulate articular cartilage regeneration, and contribute to pain relief and functional recovery in patients with osteoarthritis. Despite the promising results, the literature presents considerable heterogeneity in preparation protocols, types of PRP (rich or poor in leukocytes), number and frequency of applications, in addition to the variable clinical response among patients. It is concluded that PRP therapy represents a safe, accessible and biologically active alternative in the treatment of several orthopedic injuries, although it still depends on robust clinical evidence and methodological standardization to consolidate its use in clinical practice in an effective and reproducible manner.