In March 2003, the prestigious scientific journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise published the first article on the use of plasma rich in platelets (PRP) for the treatment of injuries to the musculoskeletal system. The scientific article in question was entitled ‘Plasma rich in growth factors to treat an articular cartilage avulsion: A Case Report’ and was authored by a group of renowned scientists. Among them, and as lead author and director of the research, Dr. Mikel Sánchez, becoming the first physician in the world to understand the therapeutic potential of PRP and apply it to traumatology.

A summary based on the abstract of the article is provided below:

Introduction: The application of autologous plasma rich in growth factors is beneficial for connective tissue restoration, as demonstrated by clinical evidence in oral surgery and, more recently, in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and in two cases of Achilles tendon rupture in professional athletes. This is attributed to the slow release of growth factors from the platelets obtained that have been activated by endogenous thrombin promoted by the addition of calcium chloride.

Purpose: This case report describes the new application of this therapy in the arthroscopic treatment of a large nontraumatic articular cartilage avulsion in the knee of an adolescent soccer player.

Methods: After arthroscopic reimplantation of a large (approximately 2 cm) loose body of cartilage in its corresponding area in the medial femoral condyle, autologous plasma rich in growth factors was injected into the area between the area of injury and the fixed fragment.

Results and Conclusion: Despite the extremely unfavorable prognosis of the case, complete healing of the articular cartilage was considerably accelerated and the functional outcome was excellent, allowing the rapid resumption of sporting activity without further symptoms. This technique opens up new perspectives for human tissue regeneration.

This case study provides evidence that the application of plasma rich in growth factors can be beneficial in the treatment of articular cartilage injuries and accelerate the healing process. However, it is important to keep in mind that this is an individual case study, and further research and clinical studies are needed to confirm and generalize these results.

You can access the full article HERE.