The Role of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Orthopedics: Where Do We Stand?
Fábio Ramos Costa, Sérgio Augusto Lopes de Souza, Rubens Andrade Martins, Bárbara Costa, Luyddy Pires, Alex Pontes de Macedo, Napoliane Santos, Stephany Cares Huber, Gabriel Silva Santos, André Kruel, Márcia Santos, José Fábio Lana
Abstract
Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin (i-PRF) has emerged as a promising tool in regenerative medicine, particularly in orthopedics, due to its unique biological properties and ease of preparation. i-PRF is an autologous platelet concentrate derived through a simple, anticoagulant-free centrifugation process, resulting in a liquid matrix enriched with fibrin, leukocytes, and growth factors. These components promote tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory responses, making i-PRF suitable for bone and cartilage repair as well as drug delivery systems. This review discusses the history, biological mechanisms, and clinical applications of i-PRF in orthopedics, highlighting its potential advantages over traditional platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Furthermore, we address the challenges and limitations of i-PRF, including drug stability, release control, and bioactive interactions, underscoring the need for further research to optimize its therapeutic efficacy.