Orthobiologic Treatment of Throwing Related Injuries in Sport: A Focused Review of the Published Literature

• Published in: Current sports medicine reports 2023-06, Vol.22 (6), p.199-203
• Main Authors: Bowers, Robert L., Fryar, Caroline M., Cipriano, Kevin, Zaremski, Jason L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1537-8918; 1537-8918
• DOI: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000001073

Because of the growth and development of orthobiologics, in particular platelet-rich plasma, as a potential treatment modality in sports related injuries, it is imperative that providers are aware of the up-to-date published data on the usage of this treatment. While some data are promising, prospective studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma treatment for throwing related injuries. There are limitations with all of the published data that include their retrospective nature, heterogeneity between study designs, and platelet-rich plasma characteristics if reported. While platelet-rich plasma may be used as a likely safe adjuvant to conservative and surgical treatments, prospective randomized controlled studies using appropriately reported platelet-rich plasma concentrations and characteristics will help physicians make more definitive recommendations in regard to platelet-rich plasma treatment. Based on the currently available published data, this treatment may be trialed in the right setting and based on severity and location of injury.