Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of symptomatic patellofemoral cartilage lesions

Abstract

Articular cartilage has limited intrinsic healing potential due to the fact that it is avascular and the presence of few specialized cells with a low mitotic activity. Trauma and/or chronic irritation may lead to progressive damage, joint degeneration, and early osteoarthritis (OA). Cartilage lesions on the patellofemoral joint present a frequent source of pain and dysfunction especially in active patients. Various associated pathologies such as objective or potential patellar instability, muscular dysfunction, and biomechanical disorders of the foot, knee, and hip might act as a cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome, and they should be investigated and addressed when necessary. Several conservative treatment options (such as oral and topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diacerein, and intra-articular corticosteroids and viscosupplementation) have been utilized and have yielded short-term efficacy and local or systemic side effects. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) represents a therapeutic application with promising preliminary clinical results, in terms of reducing symptoms and knee inflammation in patients with symptomatic cartilage lesions or chondropathy.