Autologous platelet gel: fad or savoir? Do we really know?

Autologous platelet-gel (APG) is the process of harvesting ones own cells (platelets), concentrating them most often through centrifugation, exposing them to an agonist which induces activation which releases intrinsic substances, and applying them to a target area to accelerate wound healing. APG is attractive because it concentrates a large number of biologically active substances, which are primarily proteins that participate in complex series of mechanisms involved in inflammation and wound healing. It has been used in numerous applications including sports medicine, dermatology, and surgery. However, there are few prospective randomized trials that have compared it in a rigorous manner to other techniques or to placebo. The following report is a review of APG, which includes a description of its perceived benefit, identification of the various modalities where it has been used, and criticisms concerning its use.