Monday, February 12, 2007

Platelet Rich Plasma Enhances Mesenchymal Stem Cell Proliferation

This week at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery meeting in San Diego, Mishra et al presented data that suggest PRP enhances mesenchymal stem cell proliferation. In their poster, mRNA results showed increased RUNX2, SOX-9 and aggrecan in PRP treated cell cultures versus control. This supports the use of PRP to augment microfracture cartilage restoration surgery. Clearly, further studies are needed but this is an important first step.

Apex PRP.com

Monday, February 05, 2007

Achilles Tendon Tears and Platelet Rich Plasma

Dr. Sanchez from Spain and his co-authors recently published a paper in the American Journal of Sports Medicine (Feb. 2007) that supports the use of platelet rich plasma in achilles tendon repairs. Specifically, he found that PRP treated patients showed no wound complications, took less time to resume running and training activities. the cross-sectional area of the tendons treated with PRP increased less. Overall, they concluded that PRP my present a new way to enhance healing and functional recovery.

This is yet another study that supports the use of PRP for soft tissue musculoskeletal injuries. In my practice I have been using PRP to augment my achilles repairs for years with similar findings. A large prospective trial should be done because of the morbidity that can occur with surgical treatment. It would be interesting to find if the rate of wound complications and/or infection could be reduced with PRP.

AM Apex PRP.com
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