This book provides an introductory overview of advancements in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), focusing on current technologies and methods, new challenges and controversies, and avenues for further research. With many studies demonstrating a role for PRP in improving response to injury, this book aims to facilitate the application of this rapidly growing treatment option for trauma patients. Platelet Rich Plasma in Musculoskeletal Practice is a highly informative and carefully presented book, providing scientific and clinical insight for specialists who utilize PRP in daily practice, and for readers who are seeking to learn more about this effective injury treatment.

This book provides a comprehensive, state-of-the art summary of platelet rich plasmas (PRPs) in the field of regenerative medicine. The book begins with an overview of the basic science behind PRP, describing the role of platelets and growth factors followed by the most important biological effects expected from the use of PRPs. Platelet Rich Plasma in Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine and Maxillofacial Surgery includes numerous contributions detailing the current use of PRPs in clinical practice. From the origins in oral and maxillofacial surgery, to the latest advances in orthopaedics and sports medicine including the use of Platelet Rich Growth Factors (PRGF) in muscle, bone, tendon, ligament and nerve injuries, this book provides a wide scope of the topic. The volume concludes with chapters from experts in biology, orthopaedics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, where the convergence of expertise is leading to unprecedented insights into how to minutely control the in vivo fate and function of PRGF. This book will provide a useful resource for physicians and researchers interested in learning more about this rapidly growing area of biomedical treatment.

Well-known for their inability to heal, articular cartilage injuries often degenerate inexorably to disastrous impairment. Multitudes of treatments have been devised for this problem, but no satisfactory long-term solutions have been established. Written by world-class experts, Articular Cartilage covers the latest research and advancements related to biology, development, pathology, clinical applications, and tissue engineering. This book is useful for rheumatologists, orthopaedic surgeons, cartilage biologists, and cartilage engineers as well as for professionals working in the orthopaedic and other musculoskeletal industries. This book also belongs in the library of primary care physicians, gerontologists, physical therapists, kinesiologists, and chiropractors. Written at a level that allows accessibility to a wide audience, it provides an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses the breadth and depth of basic science, bioengineering, translational science, and detailed methodologic approaches. The authors examine the major events and signaling molecules that lead to development of articular cartilage from precursor cells, and the changes in cartilage as it matures and ages. They focus on the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, and therapeutic approaches for cartilage injury and the major arthritides that affect cartilage and the synovial joints such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. They supply an up-to-date overview of the field of tissue engineering as applied to articular cartilage repair. They examine a number of methods used to assess structure, composition, biology, and biomechanical function. Each chapter contains extensive references to enhance additional study. The book’s comprehensive focus on multiple aspects of articular cartilage sets it apart from other tissue engineering or developmental biology-based books available. It includes important discussions and perspectives on many of the remaining challenges and opportunities in the development and translation of new approaches for treating diseases of articular cartilage. It also provides detailed working protocols for many of the methods used to study articular cartilage, coverage of current treatment options, and business and regulatory aspects of the development of cartilage products. It provides a deeper understanding that will help with the development of new products and clinical applications.

Sports Injuries: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment and Rehabilitation covers the whole field of sports injuries and is an up-to-date guide for the diagnosis and treatment of the full range of sports injuries. The work pays detailed attention to biomechanics and injury prevention, examines the emerging treatment role of current strategies and evaluates sports injuries of each part of musculoskeletal system. In addition, pediatric sports injuries, extreme sports injuries, the role of physiotherapy, and future developments are extensively discussed. All those who are involved in the care of patients with sports injuries will find this textbook to be an invaluable, comprehensive, and up-to-date reference.

This book presents the evidence related to the use of injectable biologics to provide faster and better healing for musculoskeletal lesions and conditions. The authors discuss approaches, such as blood derivatives and cell concentrates, applied to lesions of muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, meniscus and cartilage, as well as osteoarthritis. Chapters are written by some of the most influential opinion leaders in the field, with up-to-date review of the current literature, where the authors explore both the potential and the limitations of these minimally invasive and promising treatments. The first section is devoted to the formulations and rationale for the use of injectable orthobiologics, while the second section reviews current treatment methods applied to specific joints and pathologies – ranging from tendinopathies through non-unions to articular degenerative processes – as well as the results of these treatment approaches. The third section explores future perspectives, such as pluripotent stem cells, gene therapy, and the stimulation of intrinsic stromal cell niches. Appealing to a broad readership, this book will be of interest to both laboratory research scientists and clinicians, including orthopedists, sports physicians, physiatrists, and regenerative medicine experts.

The repair of musculoskeletal tissue is a vital concern of all surgical specialties, orthopedics and related disciplines. Written by recognized experts, this book aims to provide both basic and advanced knowledge of the newer methodologies being developed and introduced to the clinical arena. A valuable resource for researchers, developers, and clinicians, the book presents a foundation to propel the technology and integration of the current state of knowledge into the 21st century.