The use of growth factors and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in orthopedic surgery is a rapidly expanding area of research with a wide array of possible clinical applications. PRP and other autologous blood products primarily function through the release of growth factors from the alpha granules of activated platelets. These growth factors are important for cellular processes such as mitogenesis, chemotaxis, differentiation, and metabolism, all of which play an important role in healing and regeneration after musculoskeletal injuries. Despite recent studies with promising results, further high-quality evidence is required to clarify the specific musculoskeletal indications and PRP formulations which demonstrate efficacy.