Autologous platelet gel and its clinical application.

ABSTRACT

Platelets are attracted to a wound or injury site stimulating the clotting and healing cascades. Degranulated platelets release numerous substances including proteins known as growth factors. Growth factors signal undifferentiated stem cells to the site, promote cell mitosis, and stimulate osteogenesis and angiogenesis. Cytokines, which attract neutrophils, are also released from platelet granules. Concentrating platelets 4x to 5x the baseline level accelerates the healing process. When platelet rich plasma is mixed with an activator, a platelet gel will form. Clinical applications of platelet gel are numerous. Some benefits include a marked decrease in post-surgical swelling and bruising, reduction in surgical site pain, elimination of drains, and acceleration of bone growth and soft tissue healing. Scientific publications support that autologous biomaterial accelerates the healing process.