A Systematic Assessment of the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is one of the most commonly performed procedures for the treatment of spinal instability caused by a multitude of pathologies. However, despite significant advances in spinal instrumentation, failed fusion, or pseudoarthrosis, remains a significant challenge. Therefore, other additives...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annals of biomedical engineering 2015-05, Vol.43 (5), p.1057-1070
Main Authors: Elder, Benjamin D., Holmes, Christina, Goodwin, C. Rory, Lo, Sheng-Fu, Puvanesarajah, Varun, Kosztowski, Thomas A., Locke, John E., Witham, Timothy F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activation
Animals
Assessments
Biochemistry
Biological and Medical Physics
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering
Biomedicine
Biophysics
Bones
Classical Mechanics
Growth factors
Humans
In vitro testing
Instability
Instrumentation
Platelet-Rich Plasma
Regeneration
Spinal Fusion - methods
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Summary:Spinal fusion is one of the most commonly performed procedures for the treatment of spinal instability caused by a multitude of pathologies. However, despite significant advances in spinal instrumentation, failed fusion, or pseudoarthrosis, remains a significant challenge. Therefore, other additives such as bone graft extenders and growth factors have been explored as a method to augment fusion rates. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) represents an additional approach, as it has shown some promise in bone regeneration. While the general use of PRP in orthopedic applications has been reviewed previously, its use in spinal fusion has not been systematically analyzed. The objective of this review is to systematically discuss the role of PRP in augmentation of bone regeneration for the purpose of spinal fusion. Background information on PRP, including a discussion of its preparation, activation, and growth factors, is included. Additionally, data from in vitro studies utilizing PRP in bone tissue engineering strategies is analyzed, and the available animal and clinical studies are systematically reviewed in order to provide guidance on future research pathways as well as the potential role of PRP in spinal fusion surgery.
ISSN:0090-6964
1573-9686
DOI:10.1007/s10439-015-1300-0