Clinical considerations, preparation quality, disclosures, and peer-reviewed references for PRP therapy
James C. Kasper, M.D. • Central Coast Orthopedics
The following information represents published clinical research involving PRP therapy. These studies vary in design, patient population, methodology, and level of evidence. Inclusion of any study does not imply universal effectiveness or guarantee of outcome. Evidence quality and study results vary by condition and patient characteristics. Individual results vary, and not all patients are candidates for PRP therapy. Clinical decision-making requires individualized assessment.
A non-surgical, office-based procedure. Most patients are able to resume their usual activities shortly after treatment, though individual protocols may vary.
PRP is derived from your own blood, utilizing your body's own growth factors. Because the preparation is autologous, the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is minimal.
A growing body of peer-reviewed literature has examined PRP across a range of musculoskeletal conditions, with many studies reporting improvements in pain and function in select patient populations.
Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have compared PRP to corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid in the setting of knee osteoarthritis, with some studies reporting different outcome measures across treatment groups.
In a single study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine (n=20), patients with chronic elbow tendinosis treated with PRP reported reductions in pain scores at week four and at six months. At final follow-up, the majority of patients in the PRP group reported satisfaction with treatment. Study conclusions are specific to the study population and design and may not be generalizable to all patients.
In a separate study, MRI findings in patients receiving PRP for knee osteoarthritis suggested findings consistent with delayed disease progression in some participants at follow-up. Evidence quality varies by condition, and PRP may be considered as one component of a comprehensive orthopedic treatment plan.
PRP composition varies significantly depending on the preparation system used. Below is a factual description of the protocol utilized in our clinic.
For most patients, our preparation achieves over 1 billion platelets per mL — a concentration level that has been explored in published research as potentially relevant to clinical outcomes.
The concentrated platelet preparation contains growth factors that are delivered to the treatment site.
Our system recovers over 80% of the platelets present in the initial blood draw.
Red blood cells and neutrophils are removed prior to injection, which has been associated in some studies with reduced post-injection inflammation.
PRP may be considered for patients who have not achieved adequate improvement with conservative treatments such as steroid injections, viscosupplementation, physical therapy, or bracing. Not everyone is a candidate for PRP therapy. A thorough clinical evaluation — including review of imaging, diagnosis, and treatment history — is required to determine whether PRP is appropriate for your specific condition. PRP may also be discussed as one option for patients who wish to explore non-surgical approaches prior to considering surgical intervention.
PRP is prepared from the patient's own blood at the point of care and is regulated under the practice of medicine. PRP is not an FDA-approved drug or biologic product. The equipment used to prepare PRP has received FDA clearance for the purpose of separating blood components.
The clinical studies referenced on this website reflect published peer-reviewed research. Citation of these studies does not imply FDA endorsement of PRP for any specific condition.
Not everyone is a candidate for PRP therapy. A comprehensive clinical evaluation is required before treatment, which may include:
Treatment decisions are made collaboratively between physician and patient based on clinical findings.
The following peer-reviewed publications support some of the clinical evidence presented on this site. Readers are encouraged to review the original studies for full methodologies, sample sizes, and reported limitations. Study conclusions are specific to each study's population and design.