The use of platelet-rich plasma in pathologies of the foot and ankle: A comprehensive review of the recent literature

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous serum containing higher concentrations of platelets and growth factors above normal blood. The process of obtaining PRP involves the extraction of blood from the patient which is then centrifuged to obtain a concentrated suspension of platelets. PRP continues to evolve as a potential treatment modality with many applications in orthopaedic surgery. The therapeutic components of PRP possess numerous theoretical regenerative properties. The present manuscript outlines how PRP is prepared, noting the tremendous variability between preparation protocols. Given the growing body of evidence examining the use of PRP in pathologies of the foot and ankle, we assess its efficacy as it relates to our field. Specifically, we evaluate the literature in the past five years regarding the role of PRP in treating plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, insertional Achilles tendinitis, Achilles tendon ruptures, osteochondral lesions of the talus, hallux rigidus, and ankle osteoarthritis.

Keywords: Achilles tendinopathy; Achilles tendon rupture; Ankle osteoarthritis; Foot and ankle; Hallux rigidus; Orthobiologics; Osteochondral lesions of the talus; PRP; Plantar fasciitis; Platelet-rich plasma.