Orthobiologics Injection Therapies in the Treatment of Muscle and Tendon Disorders in Athletes: Fact or Fake?
Alberto Vascellari, Andrea Demeco, Filippo Vittadini, R. Gnasso, Domiziano Tarantino, Immacolata Belviso, Alessandro Corsini, Antonio Frizziero, Leopoldo Buttinoni, Andrea Marchini, Marco Vecchiato, Marcello Zappia, Francesco Oliva, Nicola Maffulli, Felice Sirico, Stefano Palermi
Abstract
Muscle and tendon injuries encompass a wide range of conditions, including both acute and chronic ailments, and are common among athletes, representing a significant cause of injuries in various sports. Frequently affected areas include the hamstrings, quadriceps, gastrocnemius, and hip flexors. Concurrently, tendinopathy presents a complex clinical challenge, affecting a majority of athletes due to high load demands and repetitive movements, with its incidence in sports practice increasing over the last decades to account for up to 30% of all injuries. The substantial costs, both in terms of time away from competition and financial loss, have spurred growing scientific interest in therapies that can enhance the healing process of these injuries. In this context, innovative orthobiologic approaches, particularly platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have been explored for their potential to facilitate the return-to-play phase and reduce the risk of reinjury by modulating inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration. This narrative review aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the role of orthobiologics in the management of sports-related muscle and tendon injuries.