University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository
Specialty
Orthopedics
Advisor
Dr. Tom Colletti
Abstract
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are newly evolving injections more recently used in the treatment of sports-related injuries and now refractory osteoarthritis (OA). PRP injections are derived from the patient’s own blood which is then centrifuged to increase the concentration of platelets as well as associated growth factors. Due to the nature of the degenerative disease, inadequate healing, and progressing deterioration have led to limited treatments for OA with intra-articular injections and hyaluronic acid injections being the most common and surgical replacement being definitive. With the increase in an aging population along with increasing obesity rates, osteoarthritis has become a major public health problem driving the interest in efficacy behind PRP injections in OA treatment. While the significance of early follow-ups is still in question, many patients have noticed a significant improvement after 6-12 months. Despite these results, further research to confirm these improvements is needed as well as further information on timing, dosage, frequency, and indications needed for PRP injections.
Recommended Citation
Crabtree CA. PRP Efficacy in Osteoarthritis: A Clinical Review. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2023; 5(1).
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