Current Perspectives on Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis: How to Optimize Clinical Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biologics

Background:

• Knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects 22% of adults over 40, causing significant pain and disability.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a biologic treatment gaining attention for its anti-inflammatory properties in OA management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and evaluate current evidence on PRP for knee OA.
• To compare PRP efficacy against hyaluronic acid (HA), corticosteroids, and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC).

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of high-quality studies on PRP for knee OA.
• Comparison of PRP outcomes with HA, corticosteroids, and BMAC treatments.

Main Results:

• PRP demonstrates superior pain relief and functional improvement versus HA and corticosteroids.
• PRP shows comparable results to BMAC and is effective across Kellgren-Lawrence grades, especially in early to moderate OA.
• Three-injection regimens and both leukocyte-rich/poor formulations show promise, but optimal protocols require further standardization.

Conclusions:

• PRP is a safe and potentially effective nonoperative option for knee OA management.
• Short- to mid-term outcomes are promising, but limitations include preparation variability and limited long-term data.
• Further high-quality, standardized research is necessary to confirm long-term efficacy and optimal application of PRP in knee OA.