medicina

Review
Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Its Emerging Therapeutic
Benefits for Musculoskeletal Injury Treatment
Alexandru Florian Grecu 1 , Lucien Reclaru 2 , Lavinia Cosmina Ardelean 3 , Oliviu Nica 1, *,
Eduard Mihai Ciucă 4, * and Marius Eugen Ciurea 5
1 University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; [email protected]
2 Varinor Matériaux SA, CH 2800 Delémont, Switzerland; [email protected]
3 Department of Technology of Materials and 9 Devices in Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; [email protected]
4 Department of Oro-Maxilo-Facial Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova,
200349 Craiova, Romania
5 Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
[email protected]
* Correspondence: [email protected] (O.N.); [email protected] (E.M.C.); Tel.: +40-746020496 (O.N.);
+40-745158317 (E.M.C.)




Received: 19 February 2019; Accepted: 23 April 2019; Published: 15 May 2019


Abstract: New therapies that accelerate musculoskeletal tissue recovery are highly desirable.
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin biomaterial that acts as a binding site
for both platelets and growth factors. Through increasing the local concentration of growth factors at
specific tissues, PRF promotes tissue regeneration. PRF has been frequently used in combination with
bone graft materials to reduce healing times and promote bone regeneration during maxillofacial
surgery. However, its benefits during muscle repair and recovery are less well-documented. Here,
we perform a narrative review on PRF therapies and muscle injuries to ascertain its beneficial effects.
We reviewed the factors that contribute to the biological activity of PRF and the published pre-clinical
and clinical evidence to support its emerging use in musculoskeletal therapy. We include in vitro
studies, in vivo animal studies and clinical articles highlighting both the success and failures of
PRF treatment. PRF can promote the healing process when used in a range of orthopaedic and
sports-related injuries. These include cartilage repair, rotator cuff surgery and anterior cruciate
ligament surgery. However, conflicting data for these benefits have been reported, most likely due to
inconsistencies in both PRF preparation protocols and dosing regimens. Despite this, the literature
generally supports the use of PRF as a beneficial adjuvant for a range of chronic muscle, tendon, bone
or other soft tissue injuries. Further clinical trials to confirm these benefits require consistency in PRF
preparation and the classification of a successful clinical outcome to fully harness its potential.

Keywords: platelet-rich fibrin; musculoskeletal system; biological therapy; bone regeneration;

platelet activation

1. Introduction
Autologous platelet concentrates are simple and cost-effective methods that allow high local
concentrations of growth factors at a target tissue [1]. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation
platelet concentrate developed by Choukroun et al. because of legal restrictions on blood handling.
PRF contains platelets, leukocytes, cytokines and adhesive proteins including fibrinogen, fibronectin,
vitronectin, and thrombospondin-1 [2,3]. The presence of white blood cells (WBCs), that secrete a large
quantity of growth factors, is a key feature of PRF which is named for this reason leukocyte-PRF (L-PRF).

Medicina 2019, 55, 141; doi:10.3390/medicina55050141 www.mdpi.com/journal/medicina

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The polymerization of the fibrin produces a 3-dimensional cross-linked fibrin matrix [4–8]. This serves
as a binding site for both platelets and growth factors [9,10]. By increasing the local concentration of
growth factors at a specific tissue location, PRF promotes tissue regeneration by closely mimicking
the wound repair process over a prolonged period of time [2,3,11–14]. The ultimate result is a healing
matrix that possesses unique mechanical properties, making it distinct from platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
and other platelet concentrates [15–17]. Herein we discuss the promising clinical benefits of PRF with
a focus on its ability to promote wound and muscle healing.

1.1. Muscle Injury and Repair

Muscle repair is an evolutionarily conserved multicellular process requiring the synchronized
activity of infiltrating macrophages, resident myogenic and non-myogenic stem cells, and connective
tissue fibroblasts [18]. Despite the effectiveness of this intrinsic repair mechanism, severe injuries
that result in a significant loss of muscle tissue and/or a loss of tissue function overwhelm the repair
process and require therapeutic intervention. Musculoskeletal disorders are classed as any injury,
damage or disorder of the joints or tissues in the upper/lower limbs or the back [19]. The World Health
Organization (WHO) reports that musculoskeletal injuries affect the lives of hundreds of millions
globally, and are the major worldwide cause of long-term pain, trauma and physical disability [20–22].
Soft tissue injuries comprise 40–50% of musculoskeletal problems and are typically the result of
cartilage, ligament and tendon damage. Severe impact injuries, arthritis and osteoporosis are examples
of chronic and degenerative musculoskeletal conditions that pose severe challenges for clinicians [23].
Chronic injuries, including those resulting from sports- and overuse-related injuries, often require
surgery leading to prolonged recovery times. In addition, a successful outcome and complete recovery
following surgery are often not guaranteed and current adjuvant therapies that aid the healing process
remain limited [19,20].
Hope has been offered through the discovery of orthobiologics. These refer to the use of biological
substances that improve the healing of injured muscles, tendons and ligaments [24]. Orthobiologics
are derived from substances naturally found in the body. They include bone grafts, autologous blood,
PRP, autologous conditioned serum and stem cells [24–28]. The benefits of using orthobiologics are the
reduced need for surgery when treating musculoskeletal injuries and to augment the effectiveness of
existing surgical techniques [28]. Autologous blood, PRP and conditioned serum work by delivering
growth factors to the injured area, stimulating the repair process [24,25]. Autologous blood products
have surpassed the use of recombinant growth factors for this purpose due to their lower cost, longer
life span, and more efficient delivery to the target tissue [24].

1.2. Orthobiologics
Autologous blood injections were first used to deliver blood-derived growth factors to injured
tissue. This involved drawing blood from a patient and injecting it into the desired area. This
procedure delivers growth factors contained in platelets. This method has been questioned, with both
positive [29–31] and negative results reported [32]. The knowledge of growth factors being primarily
contained in the alpha granules of platelets led researchers to focus on more effective growth factor
delivery methods [33]. These have evolved from the use of autologous whole blood to the use of
concentrated platelets, otherwise known as PRP. PRP is defined as a plasma fraction of autologous
blood with a platelet concentration above baseline levels [34]. Despite some clear benefits, solid
evidence in favor of its clinical application to trauma and orthopaedic surgery is still lacking [25].
PRP has been commercialized, yet it contains products that are unnatural and, in some instances,
can inhibit wound healing. By removing these anti-coagulants and modifying the blood collection
protocols, PRF was introduced some years later, with the exciting potential to markedly improve
surgical performance.
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2. Methods—Literature Review
We searched several databases including Pubmed and MEDLINE as well as reference lists of
relevant articles to compile a consensus for the role of PRF and its therapeutic effectiveness. A Pubmed
search of “platelet-rich fibrin” yielded 783 peer-reviewed articles that were filtered for relevance.
The criteria for inclusion were (1) in vitro studies that report the effects of PRF on cell lines or cultures
of primary cell lines in vitro, (2) in vivo animal studies evaluating the effect of PRF on muscle repair,
(3) Clinical articles highlighting both successes and failures of PRF treatments. Through MEDLINE,
the number of PRF clinical trails to date are recorded as 114 (clinicaltrails.gov). The selected studies
were reviewed and their reference lists checked for all other eligible articles. Keywords used in this
review include PRF and: maxillofacial surgery, muscle, cartilage, rotator cuff surgery, hamstring injury.

2.1. Platelet Rich Fibrin

PRF represents a significant advance in the evolution of platelet concentrates. In its simplest form,
PRF is a fibrin membrane with trapped platelets ± leukocytes [22,25,33,35–42]. These solid membranes
display excellent handling characteristics, and can be firmly sutured in an anatomically desired location
during open surgery [43–53]. PRF has generated much excitement through its potential benefits to
wound healing and tissue injury, which will be discussed herein. Ease of preparation, low cost, minimal
risks for the patients, and possible outpatient use make PRF an optimal scaffold for tissue healing
processes [54].

2.2. Preparation of PRF

A major advantage of PRF is the simplicity of preparation. PRF is drawn from the blood of
a patient using a sterile 10 mL vacutainer either before, during or after surgery [2,3,11–13]. Blood
is collected into a vacuum-sealed tube without anticoagulants and centrifuged for 12 minutes at
2700 rpm to separate red blood cells and plasma from platelets [55,56]. The fibrin clot containing
the platelets is located in the center of the tube, between the lower layer of RBCs and the plasma
acellular on the top. The PRF produced is free of anticoagulants and/or other artificial biochemical
modifications [2,3,11–13,57]. Changing the PRF centrifugation protocol can influence both the structure
and density of PRF clots [58,59]. The clinical efficacy of centrifugation protocols still requires validation,
as open access methods have led to many variations of the original PRF protocol that have confused the
literature [54,60]. This presents a problem as the material produced from each protocol differs from that
of the original PRF [54,55,61,62]. These include differences in the size and weight of the clots/membranes
leading to varying biological signatures and clinical outcomes [54]. To date, the differences between
the methods of PRF production and the biological characteristics of final PRF product have not been
clearly characterized. Standardization of centrifugation protocols to control growth factor content
and fibrin architecture are now required, and the effects of modifications of the original production
protocol on PRF activity require clarification [54].

2.3. Handling and Application of PRF

PRF membranes can be easily departed over a surgical or augmented site. Due to its elastic
consistency, a clinician can puncture a hole in the membrane which can be draped over a healing area.
PRF is blood-derived living tissue, so it must be handled accordingly. As PRF lacks anticoagulants,
blood samples will coagulate upon contact with the tube glass. Quick handling ensures a clinically
usable PRF matrix. If the duration between blood collection and centrifugation is too long, PRF
samples become inconsistent. By driving out the fluids trapped in the fibrin matrix, very resistant
autologous fibrin membranes can be obtained. Advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) defines a new set
of centrifugation speeds/times that prevent cell loss within the PRF matrix [63]. A-PRF is richer in
WBCs compared to PRF and displays improved collagen matrix synthesis and enhanced recruitment
of progenitor cells [62,64]. Injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) was developed to act as a regenerative
Medicina 2019, 55, 141 4 of 12

agent that could be delivered in liquid formulation [65,66]. To achieve this, blood is drawn rapidly in a
specific centrifugation tube at a low speed (approximately 700 rpm for 3 minutes). I-PRF can be mixed
with bone grafts to form a stable fibrin-graft that also improves wound healing [64,65].

2.4. PRF Growth Factors

Kobayashi et al. performed a comparison of growth factor release for PRP, PRF, and A-PRF
over time [67]. The various platelet concentrates were shown to have differing growth factor release
kinetics. PRP released significantly higher levels of growth factors at earlier time points, whilst PRF
displayed continual and steady release over a 10-day period. A-PRF released significantly higher
quantities of growth factors when compared to traditional PRF [66]. From the same samples of
peripheral blood, Qiao et al. compared the levels of five important growth factors in activated PRP
and PRF by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) [68]. The results revealed that the levels
of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in PRF were significantly higher than that in activated PRP.
For the other growth factors tested, namely platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), transforming
growth factor β-1 (TGF-β1), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and vascular endothelial growth
factor (VEGF), no significant differences between the two platelet concentrates were observed [67].
PRP is thus recommended for the fast delivery of growth factors whist PRF and A-PRF are better suited
for long-term growth factor release.

2.5. Uses of PRF

2.5.1. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Before discussing muscle injury, we first discuss other widely accepted benefits of PRF, particularly
during oral and maxillofacial surgery. PRF membranes are frequently used in combination with bone
graft materials to reduce healing times and promote bone regeneration. Choukroun et al. showed that
PRF with freeze-dried bone allograft increased bone formation during sinus lift procedures [2]. These
findings were confirmed and more efficient methods to alleviate the postoperative complications of this
procedure using PRF evolved [69,70]. PRF was also used with success during the treatment of Intrabony
periodontal defects [71–73]. Greater attachment levels and bone-fill were notable findings. Similar
improvements in patient outcomes were observed for mandibular Grade II furcation defects [74] and
gingival recession defects [75–81]. Its ability to relieve pain and post-operative swelling during tooth
extractions and in the treatment of tooth lesions, are also widely documented [82–92]. PRF was also
used in the treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), with promising results
for the healing and quality of life improvement of patients with MRONJ [93].

2.5.2. Orthopaedics and Sports Injuries

Although skeletal muscle can respond to a range of environmental changes, the appropriate
treatment for chronic muscle injuries remains a clinical challenge. Healing with conventional therapies
is frequently insufficient, leading to substantial interest in the potential of platelet concentrates to aid
muscle recovery. The process of muscle healing and the contribution of growth factors to the healing
process is an intensively studied field and is reviewed in [21,22]. By concentrating these growth factors,
PRF can promote the cellular events required for muscle repair and regeneration [94]. Some of the first
studies to reveal this were performed by Wright-Carpenter and co-workers who assessed the effects of
PRF on muscle strain injuries in humans. Subjects were treated with PRF two days after injury and
every two days thereafter [21]. The study revealed that the recovery time of the PRF-treated subjects
was reduced to 16.6 days compared to 22.3 days in subjects treated with anti-inflammatory treatments.
This supported the use of PRF during muscle therapy, validating previous observations from animal
models and in vitro studies.
Medicina 2019, 55, 141 5 of 12

2.5.3. Cartilage Injuries

In the past decade, PRF has emerged as a promising non-operative procedure for the treatment
of cartilage injuries. Chien and colleagues were amongst the first to assess the incorporation of
PRF into biodegradable fibrin (FB) scaffolds as a regeneration matrix for promoting chondrocyte
proliferation and re-differentiation [95]. Chondrocytes are the only cells found in healthy cartilage
and are responsible for the production of the cartilaginous matrix. It was concluded that FB scaffolds
promoted proliferation and re-differentiation that was enhanced by PRF, offering promise for cartilage
tissue engineering. PRF also aids the healing of knee cartilage defects in animal models [96,97]. Defects
in the left hind limbs of dogs receiving PRF implantation were found to display improved articular
cartilage repair [16,98,99]. Studies in rabbits also demonstrated the ability of PRF to enhance the
viability of diced cartilage grafts, promoting its use as an appropriate biological wrapping material
to aid cartilage grafting [100,101]. More recent studies reveal that cartilage regeneration improves
more significantly using i-PRF as opposed to autologous PRF [58]. Complicated procedures requiring
in vitro chondrocyte expansion prior to cartilage repair were also shown to be avoidable through the
development of a culture-free, single-stage approach that combines PRF with autologous cartilage
grafts [96].

2.5.4. Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain and disability and can be caused by
traumatic and degenerative elements. This frequently makes surgical repair challenging as the original
tendon-bone insertion is difficult to recreate. Accordingly, non-healing rates are reported to be as
high as 94% [36]. Zumstein and colleagues showed that l-PRF delivered in a standard/gelatinous-type
matrix could locally deliver healing growth factors for up to 28 days, aiding rotator cuff repair [36].
In later pilot trials, when l-PRF was added in between tendon and bone during arthroscopic rotator
cuff repair, the vascularization index improved in contralateral healthy shoulders at 6 and 12 weeks,
with no post-operative complications reported [102]. Thus, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using
l-PRF appeared technically feasible, supporting earlier in vitro studies that demonstrated its ability
to enhance tenocyte proliferation and promote extracellular matrix synthesis. Despite this progress,
later studies questioned the clinical benefits of PRF for more severe muscle rotator cuff injuries. When
PRF was applied to massive rotator cuff tears, two independent studies revealed no changes to anatomic
healing rates, mean postoperative defect sizes and tendon quality [103,104]. Hasan and colleagues also
showed that PRF induces a disordered healing response characterized by fibro vascular scar tissue
in rat models of severe rotator cuff repair [105]. Further studies are therefore required to clarify the
benefits of PRF during this procedure.

2.5.5. Other Sports-Related Injuries

The success of PRF augmentation was noted by Alviti and colleagues who assessed its effects
on ankle stiffness and the mechanical work of the ankle in patients who had undergone Achilles
tendon surgery [106]. The findings suggested that treatment with a suture and PRF resulted in a
significant functional improvement in terms of the efficiency of motion, improving patient recovery.
Similar benefits were reported for operations involving the replacement of torn anterior cruciate
ligaments (ACL) [107]. Most of the patients had normal knee scores and returned to normal levels
of sporting activity when PRF was used. In other studies, PRF augmentation did not appear to have
an effect on gluteus medius tendon repair in terms of pain or clinical evidence, but was shown to
improve hip-specific physical functioning following surgical repair [108]. The potential benefits of
PRF to elite-level athletes were also highlighted in randomized control trials that assessed its effects
on ankle sprains. Ultrasound-guided injections of PRF into the injured antero-inferior, tibio-fibular
ligaments, led to benefits that included a shorter recovery, re-stabilization of the syndesmosis joint
and reduced long-term pain [109]. Beneficial effects of PRF have also been reported in cases of
Medicina 2019, 55, 141 6 of 12

patellar tendinopathy [110], partial ulnar collateral ligament tears [111], elbow ulnar collateral ligament
insufficiency in high-level throwers [112], and in the treatment of meniscal lesions [113]. The promise
of PRF is not limited to muscle injuries, and recent studies reveal its ability to promote bone healing
and regeneration when applied with several grafting materials in animal and human calvarial
defects [114–116]. Thus, iPRF offers hope to aid both bone and muscle regeneration following serious
trauma-induced injuries.

3. Conclusions
The articles included and presented in this review were chosen due to the clarity of proof, concise
and clear results. The articles that were disregarded either presented inadequate information about the
topic or they were considered as lacking clarity.
Despite the vast majority of articles proving the benefits of PRF to promote tissue regeneration
and speed up recovery, there is still some controversy in the literature regarding this. Recent controlled
clinical trial data provides hope that PRF benefits cartilage injury, whilst its use is supported for partial
ulnar collateral ligament tears, elbow ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency and in the treatment of
meniscal lesions. The literature for other muscle interventions has been conflicting as well (exemplified
by rotator cuff injuries), most likely due to the fact that not all PRFs are the same and those with higher
leukocyte levels may be detrimental to tendon healing. To date, the clinical data do not conclusively
prove the benefits of PRF treatment to aid muscle injury.
Consistent dosing and reproducible measures of success outcomes are now required to definitively
prove effectiveness. Whether our scientific ability to fully harness its potential is still lacking remains
an important question to consider during future investigations.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, A.F.G. and M.E.C.; methodology, L.R.; software, O.N.; validation,
E.M.C., L.C.A. and L.R.; formal analysis, L.R.; investigation, A.F.G.; writing—original draft preparation,
A.F.G.; writing—review and editing, O.N.; visualization, E.M.C. and L.C.A.; supervision, M.E.C.; project
administration, O.N.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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