platelet-rich plasma (University of Missouri-Columbia)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous biologic therapy being investigated by the University of Missouri-Columbia for the prevention of post-traumatic osteoarthritis following pilon fractures. Produced using the Arthrex ACP (Autologous Conditioned Plasma) system, this specific formulation is a leukocyte-reduced PRP. It is administered as a single intra-articular injection during initial surgical stabilization. The therapy works by delivering high concentrations of endogenous growth factors, such as Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), along with anti-inflammatory mediators. Clinical studies indicate that it modulates the joint environment by increasing anabolic factors and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), thereby potentially mitigating the inflammatory cascade that leads to cartilage degradation after severe joint trauma.

Brand names

Arthrex ACP

Other names

PRPleukocyte-reduced platelet-rich plasmaAutologous Conditioned Plasma