PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Research

This meta-analysis and systematic review compared the clinical efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma combined with hyaluronic acid (PRP + HA) versus PRP monotherapy for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The analysis pooled data from randomized controlled trials evaluating WOMAC scores, VAS pain scores, Lequesne index, and IKDC scores.

The results showed that the combination of PRP + HA yielded statistically significant improvements in pain relief and functional outcomes compared to PRP alone. Subgroup analyses consistently favored the combination therapy, suggesting synergistic benefits from the regenerative properties of PRP and the viscoelastic lubrication provided by hyaluronic acid.

Importantly, the combination therapy demonstrated a safety profile comparable to PRP monotherapy, with no significant increase in adverse events. These findings suggest that adding hyaluronic acid to PRP injections may enhance treatment outcomes for knee osteoarthritis patients.

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined randomized controlled trials comparing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections with other treatments for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow).

The results demonstrated that PRP injections outperformed corticosteroid injections and other comparators for long-term functional improvement and pain reduction. While corticosteroids often showed better short-term results, PRP consistently delivered superior outcomes at follow-ups beyond 6 months, suggesting durable tissue healing rather than temporary symptom suppression.

The findings support PRP as a preferred injectable treatment for chronic lateral epicondylitis, particularly for patients seeking sustained improvement rather than short-term relief.

This systematic review evaluated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applications across a wide range of medical and surgical specialties, assessing the quality of evidence, preparation methods, and clinical outcomes.

The authors found that PRP demonstrates meaningful clinical benefits in several areas, particularly orthopedic conditions (osteoarthritis, tendinopathies), dermatological applications (hair restoration, skin rejuvenation), and chronic wound management. However, the review identified significant heterogeneity in PRP preparation protocols across studies.

The authors emphasize that the lack of standardized PRP preparation and classification systems remains the primary obstacle to establishing definitive clinical guidelines, and call for regulatory enforcement of preparation standards to improve reproducibility and evidence quality across specialties.

Comprehensive meta-analysis of 30 randomized controlled trials evaluating PRP injections for knee osteoarthritis and cartilage lesions. The analysis included over 2,500 patients and compared PRP to hyaluronic acid, saline placebo, and corticosteroids.

Meta-analysis of 22 studies evaluating PRP for androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss). Assessed effects on hair density, hair diameter, and patient satisfaction across multiple treatment protocols.

Meta-analysis examining PRP efficacy for various tendinopathies including lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, and rotator cuff disease. Focused on chronic cases that had failed conservative management.