Editorial Commentary: Platelet-Rich Martini or Vodka Hyaluronate? The Dilemma of Drink Selection for the Modern Orthopaedic Surgeon.

Abstract

The number of options for intra-articular treatment of osteoarthritis has been growing over the years, and currently a wide range of injectables is available, from "traditional" products such as corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid (HA) to biologic agents like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cells. Although the ultimate goal is to exert a modulation on the intra-articular environment, these substances act through different mechanisms of action. The combination of different products may have a rationale in taking advantage of complementary actions, but the "additive" effect and the safety should be demonstrated before any recommendation of use. Recently, the combination of HA and PRP has been tested in some clinical trials, with outcomes apparently superior to those of HA and PRP alone. This strategy may open a new scenario for the future, provided that we put scientific evidence before the pressure of the market, especially when dealing with cell-based approaches, which, although very attractive for patients, still need solid data to support their use as injectables.