PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment is a new method which has been widely used in various diseases. PRP has particularly been used in muscoloskeletal system diseases. There is no treatment in the literature, which completely repairs or regenerates the cartilage yet. However, the scientists are far close to reach this target thanks to PRP treatment. Patient’s own cells are used, and the blood cells with high regeneration capability, and the plasma, which contains vital proteins and structures are applied into the cells that do not have regeneration capability. Human blood is concentrated using sterile and biomechanical methods after blood is drawn. Trombocytes, which are the main treatment components are obtained from the concentration. The main role of the trombocytes in blood is the coagulation. If the trombocytes are activated, they will increase the concentration of growth factors and the proteins, which take part in tissue recovery. They may stimulate the inactive stem cells. Therefore, dramatic tissue healing responses can be obtained by well-prepared coctails.

PRP treatment may be used in “osteoartrhritis”, which is also known as joint calcification. The treatment may help to delay the surgeries to older ages in patients with severe osteoarthritis. However, PRP treatment is not recommended for those who definitely need knee prosthesis treatment.

PRP treatment may help in reducing the pain in shoulder zone tendon ruptures that may be present with movement restrictions and pain. The healing of tendons are very hard. Surgical treatment is required particularly in tendon ruptures to enable the healing. PRP treatment alone does not enable complete recovery. PRP treatment may be an option in tendon problems, which did not reach to rupture phase.

PRP treatment is one of the powerful weapons in our armory in another tendon problem- plantar fasciits, which is also called as jogger’s heel. It may be possible to relieve months and years-lasting heel pain and to walk comfortably. In addition, PRP may be used in golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow, which may be present with severe pain on tendon attachment region.

PRP may also be used in treatment of meniscus ruptures and damage. The healing of meniscus tissue is very difficult without any intervention. The ruptures are repaired in young patients, and the injured meniscus tissues are removed using a video camera in elderly patients. PRP treatment enhances the success rate of the surgeries and sometimes may eliminate the need for any surgical intervention.

PRP is a treatment option for other problems such as rheumatoid diseases, stress fractures, cartilage injuries, wrist injuries, and ligament damage. The most important reason for the wide area of use is that the patient’s own cells are used. The use of cells and the proteins in the body has been one of the successful treatment options in present.

Infection, swelling and edema have been reported due to injection in PRP treatment in the literature. Although all steps are applied properly, the targetted outcomes may not be obtained in some cases. There is no allergic side effect associated with PRP.

PRP treatment has still been in development phase. The scientists have been researching the treatment in present. New treatment options have been presented each day with more scientific findings.

The area of use of PRP treatment in muscoloskeletal diseases

• Cartilage Diseases: Cartilage surface erosion, knee osteoarthritis, ankle cartilage injuries (talus osteochondral lesions), and meniscus ruptures
• Ligament Problems: Lateral ligament injuries of knee, deltoid ligament injuries of ankle
• Tendon problems: Tennis elbow (lateral epichondylitis), wrist tendinitis, patellar tendinitis, chronic anterior knee pain, plantar fasciitis, shoulder tendinitis, Aschilles tendinitis and problems of the tendon attachment region.

Other problems: Stress fractures in sportsmen, acceleration or stimulation of fracture union.