Platelet-rich plasma injections for knee pathologies: a review

Abstract Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has found applications in various pathological conditions of the knee as in other areas. There are various preparations in the PRP family, and these have different terminologies. This paper reviews PRP injections in knee conditions in human clinical studies. We have divided PRP application for knee pathologies into extra-articular, intra-articular and intra-operative. There is level III evidence for PRP use in cases of patellar tendinopathy as well as in arthritis. These injections provide better results in degenerative chondropathy and early stages of arthritis than in cases of established osteoarthritis. In cases of ACL reconstruction using autograft, there are level I studies that demonstrate faster graft maturation with intra-operative use of PRP. Evidence for use in muscle and ligament injuries, as well as intra-operative use for cartilage defect re-attachment, is limited to few case reports. There is less evidence proving the benefits of PRP product use in the knee as compared to other areas in the body. Importantly, at the same time, there are no adverse effects following use of these products. Various preparations may be used as per individual and institution preference and guidelines regarding their applications are available. Further data is needed to establish the efficacy of these over other available injection treatments in knee pathologies.
Source: European Orthopaedics and Traumatology - Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research