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. 2012 Jun;3(6):40.
doi: 10.1258/shorts.2011.011148. Epub 2012 Jun 19.

The role of platelet rich plasma in musculoskeletal science

Zafar Ahmad  1 , Daniel Howard, Roger A Brooks, John Wardale, Fran Md Henson, Alan Getgood, Neil Rushton
Affiliations

The role of platelet rich plasma in musculoskeletal science

Zafar Ahmad et al. JRSM Short Rep. 2012 Jun.

Abstract

The idea of using platelet rich plasma (PRP) in medicine has been around since the 1970s. It is only more recently that its use has been employed in the area of musculoskeletal science. Platelet rich plasma in this area has received much media attention being used by many celebrity sports athletes for musculoskeletal injuries. Therefore it is important for the musculoskeletal practitioner to be aware of the concepts surrounding its use and application. In this article we cover what platelet rich plasma is, how it is prepared and administered, its potential clinical application, and what the current literature discusses in the various areas of musculoskeletal science.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Activation and secretion of platelets Source: Getgood, A. Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering. 2009. Cambridge University Library
Figure 2
Figure 2
SmartPrep PRP set up
Figure 3
Figure 3
Two-step centrifugation procedure – Production of leukocyte rich/poor PRP (Taken from Dohan Ehrenfest, Rasmusson et al. 2009)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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