Autologous platelet-rich plasma for wound and osseous healing: a review of the literature and commercially available products

The application of autologous platelets that have been sequestered, concentrated, and mixed with thrombin to create growth factor-concentrated, autologous platelet-rich plasma for application to soft tissue wounds and for osseous healing has been a subject of great interest for much of the past 2 decades. Autologous platelet-rich plasma, which consists of both quantitative and qualitative components, has the greatest potency or ability to produce the desired effect. Manufacturers prepare autologous platelet-rich plasma with the ultimate goal of maximizing its benefits while minimizing potential risks. Unfortunately, the manufacturing processes for autologous platelet-rich plasma are highly variable, and the types of proprietary systems available on the market for soft tissue and osseous applications are numerous. The authors provide here an in-depth review of commercially available systems for delivery of autologous platelet-rich plasma that emphasizes the subtle yet important differences among systems. In addition, a detailed review of the literature regarding the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma in soft tissue and osseous healing is provided. Although findings are not yet conclusive, autologous platelet-rich plasma has been shown to be safe, reproducible, and effective in mimicking the natural processes of soft tissue wound and osseous healing.