title: Platelet-rich plasma guided injections: clinical application in peripheral neuropathies.
abstract: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is defined as an autologous concentrated preparation of platelets and their associated growth factors in a small volume of plasma. The presence of these growth factors has stimulated the scientific community to search about possible benefits of the use of PRP in tissue regeneration. Provided that previously in vitro and animal research demonstrated that PRP could probably play an important role in the treatment of neural tissue disorders, we aimed to review the current literature, regarding the clinical studies that have been conducted to confirm this hypothesis. More specifically, we have reviewed the literature concerning the clinical application of PRP in peripheral neuropathies and investigated if there is strong evidence to establish the use of PRP in clinical practice as a therapeutic option. In contrast with animal studies, we have been able to identify only few clinical data concerning the use of PRP in peripheral neuropathies. We found five trials matched to our research that yields positive and promising results for the future for the application of PRP for the therapy of disorders of the peripheral nervous system. It is obvious that this interesting field of research gives to the scientists the ability to expand it extensively, in terms of both quality and quantity.
authors.affiliation: 2nd Orthopaedic Department, Athens University , Athens , Greece.
authors.forename: Michael-Alexander
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Malahias
authors.affiliation: 2nd Orthopaedic Department, Athens University , Athens , Greece.
authors.forename: Dimitrios
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chytas
authors.affiliation: 2nd Orthopaedic Department, Athens University , Athens , Greece.
authors.forename: George C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Babis
authors.affiliation: 2nd Orthopaedic Department, Athens University , Athens , Greece.
authors.forename: Vasileios S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Nikolaou
keywords: clinical studies; evidence; peripheral neuropathies; platelet-rich plasma; review