Is There a Role for Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in Pediatrics? a Narrative Review Volume 5 - Issue 1

Jorge Benito¹, Phong Truong¹ Eric Bradley¹, Cindy Ho¹ and Cameron McLaury²

• ¹Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Larkin Community Hospital, USA
• ²College of Medicine, Oklahoma University Health Science Center, USA

Received: December 15, 2020;   Published:January 29, 2021

Corresponding author:Jorge Benito, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Larkin Community Hospital, 7000 SW 62nd Ave, Suite 401, South Miami, FL 33143, USA

DOI: 10.32474/OSMOAJ.2021.05.000201

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Abstract

This review identifies some of the relevant literature regarding the application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and the corresponding evidence of its use in the pediatric population. Because of its potential in various regenerative processes, there is a building interest in its utilization. However, very few high-quality studies investigating the therapeutic use of PRP exist for many reasons. The concentration of plasma constituents, response to PRP in different tissues, and its preparation are some of the issues that have been overlooked or not standardized when investigating its efficacy. With this lack of evidence, PRP’s utilization in the general population, and consequently in pediatrics, has been under-investigated and relegated mostly to animal models. We postulate that PRP may have some of its best utility in the young athlete with musculoskeletal derangements. In addition, further investigations need to be conducted in pediatric patients to determine whether PRP will be beneficial.

Keywords:Orthobiologics; Platelet rich plasma (PRP); Pediatrics, Sports injuries; Sports medicine; Orthopedic surgery

Abbreviations:(PRP): Platelet rich plasma; (ACL): Anterior cruciate ligament; (UCL): Ulnar collateral ligament; (MCL): Medial collateral ligament; (MPFL): Medial patellofemoral ligament; (RICE): Rest ice compression and elevation; (DASH): Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand; (KJOC): Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow

Abstract| Introduction| Conclusion| Conflicts of Interest| Author Contribution Statement | References|