Rich in Platelets but Poor in Certainty? Current Evidence on Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Osteoarthritis

Authors

• Zachary B. Flack, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Orthopedics

Advisor

Tom Colletti, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C, Emeritus, DFAAPA

Abstract

This study evaluates whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may reduce reliance on additional analgesia in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). A comprehensive review was performed, incorporating fifteen peer-reviewed clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses evaluating PRP for OA treatment. These studies focused primarily on comparing the efficacy and safety of PRP to other forms of analgesia and the effects of these medications on disease progression. Evidence suggests that PRP injections provide clinical benefit in patients with mild to moderate OA. Some studies demonstrate superior or comparable efficacy compared with other common forms of OA analgesia, including corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). PRP may additionally have disease-modifying effects to reduce the loss of cartilage in patients with OA, though this has not been definitively established. Limitations remain in the study of PRP efficacy to include selection bias, short-term studies, inconsistent formulations of PRP, and differing injection techniques. Future research should focus on eliminating these limitations to allow for more certain recommendations regarding PRP injections. PRP injections should be considered a promising, but not definitive, alternative for treating patients with mild to moderate forms of OA.

Recommended Citation

Flack ZB. Rich in Platelets but Poor in Certainty? Current Evidence on Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Osteoarthritis. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2026; 8(1).