Descriptive analysis of platelet-rich plasma injection therapy in chronic musculoskeletal pain

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have been used to manage various chronic pain conditions. However, evidence remains limited due to poor standardisation across practices. In this descriptive study, we aimed to characterise current PRP practice patterns at a university-affiliated private pain clinic in Hong Kong, focusing on case mix and treatment outcomes in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

This retrospective descriptive study included patients with diverse chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions aged 18 years or older who attended the CUHK Medical Centre Peter Hung Pain Specialist Clinic and received PRP injection therapy between January 2023 and December 2024. Improvements in pain and changes in oral analgesic use were recorded.

In total, 248 patients were included. Prior to PRP treatment, over 70% required multiple oral analgesics for pain control, including 55.6% taking antidepressants, 41.5% gabapentin or pregabalin, and 25.8% oral opioids. At first follow-up (median: 4 weeks, range: 1-20), more than 60% reported 'moderate' or 'much' improvement in pain symptoms. By 12 months post-treatment, fewer than 10% of patients in each category continued to require oral opioids, antidepressants, gabapentin, or pregabalin. Of the 26 patients (10.5%) who required a second PRP session, only one reported no improvement.

These results highlight the potential utility of PRP in managing chronic musculoskeletal pain and underscore the need for randomised controlled trials to confirm its long-term impact on quality of life of patients.