IOC consensus paper on the use of platelet-rich plasma in sports medicine

Abstract

Acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries in sports are common and problematic for both athletes and clinicians. A significant proportion of these injuries remain difficult to treat, and many athletes suffer from decreased performance and longstanding pain and discomfort. In 2008, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) published a consensus document on the importance of molecular mechanisms in connective tissue and skeletal muscle injury and healing. This document predicted an increase in the use of autologous growth factors, as it has indeed happened following that publication.