Skip to content

Patients › General-Health

Plasma rico en plaquetas (PRP) y terapias de inyección

PDF Evidence

What the evidence shows for platelet-rich plasma and related injection therapies in tendinopathy, osteoarthritis and rotator cuff disease — where they help and where the data is weak.

Updated Sep 2026
Un tubo de centrífuga que contiene plasma sanguíneo separado.
El PRP concentra las plaquetas de la propia sangre del paciente y se utiliza para tratar ciertas afecciones tendinosas y articulares; sin embargo, la evidencia al respecto es contradictoria. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

Esta página se tradujo automáticamente y todavía no la ha revisado un médico. La versión en inglés es la versión oficial.

¿Qué es?

El plasma rico en plaquetas, o PRP, es un tratamiento elaborado a partir de la propia sangre del paciente. Se procesa una muestra de sangre para concentrar las plaquetas, esas pequeñas células que normalmente ayudan en la cicatrización. Este líquido concentrado se inyecta luego en la zona afectada.

Su médico podría considerar el uso del PRP para varios problemas. En el caso de la artritis degenerativa de rodilla, se recomiendan al menos dos inyecciones; sus efectos pueden durar al menos 24 semanas [1]. También se emplea para ciertos problemas tendinosos, como el codo de tenista, donde puede disminuir el dolor y mejorar el funcionamiento del brazo [2]. Asimismo, algunos deportistas con artritis en articulaciones grandes pueden recibir este tratamiento [3].

El mecanismo de acción aún se está estudiando. La teoría es que las plaquetas concentradas liberan señales naturales de curación en el lugar donde se inyectan. En la artritis de rodilla, distintas formulaciones de PRP parecen ser adecuadas para diferentes etapas: una variedad podría reducir la inflamación en fases iniciales, mientras que otra favorecería la reparación tisular en casos más avanzados [4]. En el caso del codo de tenista, investigaciones han demostrado que concentraciones más altas de plaquetas se asocian a un mayor alivio de los síntomas [5].

Cabe señalar que la evidencia científica es variada. El PRP ha mostrado mejores resultados que el placebo (una inyección simulada) en ciertos tipos de inflamación tendinosa [6]; además, a los 6 y 12 meses, ofrece beneficios a más largo plazo que las inyecciones de cortisona para el codo de tenista [7]. No obstante, para otras afecciones, como el dolor en el tendón de Aquiles o el dolor lateral de la cadera, la investigación actual no respalda su uso [8] [9]. Su médico le explicará si el PRP resulta adecuado para su problema específico.

¿Funciona?

La respuesta honesta es que depende del problema a tratar. En el caso de la artritis degenerativa de la rodilla, diversas revisiones han demostrado que el PRP puede reducir el dolor y mejorar el funcionamiento de la articulación [1]. Añadir ácido hialurónico —un lubricante natural presente en las articulaciones— a la inyección podría proporcionar mayor alivio que el PRP solo [2]. Algunos estudios también han comparado el PRP con inyecciones elaboradas a partir de tejido adiposo procesado; ambos tratamientos ayudaron a pacientes con artritis de rodilla durante un período de 12 meses [3].

En el caso del codo de tenista, los resultados son más contradictorios. Una revisión concluyó que la cortisona resultaba más eficaz a corto plazo, pero el PRP ofrecía mejores resultados a los 6 y 12 meses [4]. No obstante, otra revisión no halló beneficios claros frente a una inyección placebo [5]. Otra técnica, consistente en realizar punciones suaves en el tendón dañado, obtuvo resultados similares a los del PRP [6].

En otros problemas tendinosos, el PRP ha demostrado ser beneficioso en comparación con la cortisona a medio plazo [7]. Sin embargo, para el dolor en la zona lateral de la cadera, la investigación actual no respalda su uso habitual [8]. Asimismo, en pacientes sometidos a reconstrucción de ligamentos de rodilla, no se ha demostrado aún que el PRP mejore significativamente los resultados [9].

Existen ciertas limitaciones evidentes en esta investigación. Muchos estudios son de tamaño reducido o de corta duración; además, algunos no describen adecuadamente el proceso de preparación del PRP, lo cual dificulta comparaciones justas [10]. Los revisores también han señalado que los resúmenes de estos estudios a veces resultan excesivamente optimistas [11]. Se requieren estudios más prolongados para determinar la eficacia a largo plazo del PRP [12].

En la práctica, esto significa que el PRP podría ser útil para usted, pero no es una solución garantizada para todas las afecciones. Su médico evaluará las evidencias relativas a su problema concreto y le explicará si merece la pena probarlo.

¿Cuáles son los riesgos?

Los efectos más comunes son los que cabría esperar de cualquier inyección. El lugar donde se introduce la aguja puede quedar adolorido, sensible o hinchado durante unos días. Dado que el PRP se elabora a partir de la propia sangre del paciente, el cuerpo recibe algo que ya reconoce.

Estudios sobre la artritis de rodilla siguieron a los pacientes durante un año completo tras las inyecciones y no hallaron diferencias en eventos adversos ni en fracasos del tratamiento entre los dos tipos principales de PRP [1]. En esos mismos estudios, en los que se evaluaron el dolor y la función de la rodilla, también se analizaron los problemas de seguridad durante ese periodo de 12 meses, concluyendo que el tratamiento era seguro [2].

Sin embargo, existen ciertas lagunas en el conocimiento actual. Las revisiones de investigaciones sobre artritis de rodilla han señalado que los resúmenes de los estudios a veces resultan demasiado optimistas, lo que puede hacer que los riesgos parezcan menores de lo que realmente son [3]. Asimismo, algunos ensayos han sido criticados por no describir adecuadamente el proceso de preparación del PRP, así como por seguir a los pacientes durante un periodo demasiado breve para detectar problemas que surgen con el tiempo [4].

En algunos usos específicos, la evidencia sobre la seguridad es más limitada. No se ha demostrado que la adición de PRP durante la reconstrucción de ligamentos de rodilla mejore claramente los resultados; la calidad de la investigación no es suficiente para afirmar si aporta algún beneficio real [5]. El uso del PRP para favorecer la curación de fracturas sigue siendo objeto de estudio; se requieren estudios más amplios antes de que se considere un tratamiento habitual [6].

Si está pensando en recibir más de una inyección, eso forma parte normal del tratamiento para la artritis de rodilla, en el cual se recomiendan al menos dos inyecciones [7]. Su médico le explicará cuántas inyecciones son adecuadas para usted y qué señales debe observar después del tratamiento.

¿Es adecuado para usted?

El PRP suele ser indicado para personas con artritis degenerativa incipiente en la rodilla; en estos casos se elige un tipo específico de PRP por su efecto calmante sobre la inflamación [1]. También se emplea para el codo de tenista, donde puede aliviar el dolor y mejorar la funcionalidad del brazo durante los primeros meses posteriores al tratamiento [2]. Las inyecciones elaboradas a partir de tejido adiposo procesado constituyen una alternativa similar para la artritis de rodilla; ambos métodos resultaron beneficiosos a lo largo de un período de 12 meses [3].

No obstante, puede no ser adecuado para todo el mundo. En cuanto al dolor en la zona lateral de la cadera, la investigación actual no respalda su uso rutinario [4]. Asimismo, no se ha demostrado que la adición de PRP durante la reconstrucción de ligamentos de rodilla mejore significativamente los resultados [5]. Su aplicación para favorecer la consolidación de fracturas sigue siendo objeto de estudio; se requieren estudios más amplios antes de que se convierta en una práctica habitual [6].

El tipo de PRP también es relevante. En el caso de la artritis de rodilla, el tratamiento arroja mejores resultados cuando la composición del PRP se adapta al estadio de la enfermedad [1]. Los estudios que comparan los dos tipos principales de PRP no han hallado diferencias claras en cuanto a la percepción del paciente ni en los efectos secundarios [7]. Su médico le explicará cuál es la combinación más adecuada para usted.

Esta decisión debe tomarse de forma conjunta. Su médico evaluará su problema específico, su grado de avance y sus objetivos personales. Juntos podrán sopesar el uso del PRP frente a otras opciones, como las inyecciones de cortisona o lubricantes, y determinar si merece la pena probarlo. En la sección de riesgos anterior se detallan los aspectos a vigilar después del tratamiento.

Conclusión

El PRP merece ser considerado para algunos problemas y no para otros. En el caso de la artritis degenerativa de la rodilla, puede aliviar el dolor y mejorar el funcionamiento de la articulación; además, añadir un lubricante articular natural podría brindar mayor alivio que el PRP solo [1]. Para el codo de tenista, a largo plazo podría ser más eficaz que la cortisona, aunque no todos los estudios coinciden en ello [2] [3]. En cuanto al dolor en la zona lateral de la cadera o durante cirugías de ligamentos de la rodilla, la investigación no respalda su uso rutinario [4] [5]. La advertencia más importante: gran parte de esta investigación es de tamaño reducido, de corta duración o presenta resultados positivos; por ello, hay que esperar posibles beneficios, pero no resultados garantizados [6] [7].

Referencias

[1] Eficacia de múltiples inyecciones autólogas de plasma rico en plaquetas mediante aféresis para el tratamiento de la osteoartritis de rodilla y sus factores influyentes: un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-025-05756-6

[2] Póster 58: Disminución del dolor tras la inyección de plasma rico en plaquetas en pacientes con epicondilitis lateral durante el período de seguimiento temprano. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2025. DOI: 10.1177/2325967125s00169

[3] Tratamiento con plasma rico en plaquetas para la osteoartritis de articulaciones grandes: estudio retrospectivo que destaca un posible protocolo terapéutico con estimulación prolongada de la articulación mediante una dosis adecuada de plaquetas. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-025-08663-3

[4] Eficacia de los protocolos de preparación de plasma rico en plaquetas en el tratamiento de la osteoartritis: un metaanálisis en red de ensayos controlados aleatorizados. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-025-06026-1

[5] El factor de concentración plaquetaria explica la variabilidad en los resultados del plasma rico en plaquetas para la epicondilitis lateral: una dosis elevada es fundamental para obtener una respuesta positiva. Journal of ISAKOS. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.jisako.2025.100442

[6] Cinética de los factores de crecimiento dependiente del tiempo, concentración plaquetaria y respuesta clínica tras la aplicación de plasma rico en plaquetas frente a solución salina en la tenosinovitis crónica: un ensayo controlado aleatorizado. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-025-09339-8

[7] Ensayo controlado aleatorizado sobre los resultados clínicos a 1 año de una única inyección de plasma rico en plaquetas frente a corticoides para el tratamiento de la tendinopatía lateral del codo. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/23259671251386862

[8] Destacado del editor/Take 5: ¿Es eficaz el plasma rico en plaquetas en el tratamiento de la tendinopatía aquilea? Un metaanálisis de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2025. DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000003478

[9] Eficacia del plasma rico en plaquetas frente a placebo para el tratamiento del síndrome de dolor del trocánter mayor. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2025. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.24.00763

[10] Plasma rico en plaquetas con alto contenido de leucocitos frente a plasma con bajo contenido de leucocitos y ácido hialurónico para la osteoartritis de rodilla: una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis en red. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-026-06689-4

[11] ARTÍCULO RETRACTADO: Metaanálisis y revisión sistemática de la eficacia clínica y seguridad del plasma rico en plaquetas combinado con ácido hialurónico (PRP + HA) frente a la monoterapia con PRP para la osteoartritis de rodilla (KOA). Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-05429-w

[12] Tejido adiposo microfragmentado como alternativa al plasma rico en plaquetas para inyección intraarticular en la osteoartritis de rodilla: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis de ensayos controlados aleatorizados. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2025. DOI: 10.1177/03635465251337759

[13] El plasma rico en plaquetas no mejora el dolor ni la función en pacientes con epicondilitis lateral en comparación con placebo: metaanálisis de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/03635465251383039

[14] Tenotomía percutánea mínimamente invasiva frente a inyección de plasma rico en plaquetas en el tratamiento de la epicondilitis crónica del codo. JSES International. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2024.08.183

[15] Plasma rico en plaquetas e inyección de corticoides para la tendinopatía: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-025-08566-3

[16] Impacto del refuerzo con plasma rico en plaquetas en los resultados clínicos postoperatorios en pacientes sometidos a reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-026-06714-6

[17] Carta relativa al artículo “Las inyecciones de plasma rico en plaquetas son menos eficaces que las inyecciones de corticoides para el alivio del dolor a corto plazo: un ensayo controlado aleatorizado, prospectivo y doble ciego”. The Journal of Arthroplasty. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2025.05.007

[18] Resultados estadísticamente significativos a favor del tratamiento con plasma rico en plaquetas para la osteoartritis de rodilla en los resúmenes: una revisión sistemática y análisis de sesgos. Arthroscopy. 2026. DOI: 10.1002/arj.70027

[19] Resumen de los tratamientos disponibles y sus limitaciones para las articulaciones facetarias hipertróficas: una revisión sistemática de la literatura. JAAOS: Global Research and Reviews. 2025. DOI: 10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-24-00140

[20] Los leucocitos no influyen en la seguridad ni en la eficacia de las inyecciones de plasma rico en plaquetas para el tratamiento de la osteoartritis de rodilla: un ensayo controlado aleatorizado, doble ciego. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2024. DOI: 10.1177/03635465241283500

[21] PS9: ¿Son las inyecciones de plasma rico en plaquetas una opción eficaz en casos de retraso en la consolidación ósea o no consolidación? Injury. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(13)70158-x

Reviewed by Kieran Hirpara · 13 June 2026.

Want the clinical detail? Read the clinician version.

Talk to your treating clinician for advice specific to you.

For an appointment with the CQ Hand + Upper Limb team, ask your GP about a referral or visit www.cqupperlimb.com.

Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

  • At least two PRP injections are recommended for treating knee osteoarthritis [1].
  • The effects of multiple autologous apheresis PRP injections for knee osteoarthritis last for at least 24 weeks [1].
  • Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of PRP for hypertrophic facet joints [2].
  • Further studies are needed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of PRP for hypertrophic facet joints [2].
  • Conclusions regarding the clinical utility of PRP from a specific prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial should be interpreted with caution due to major methodological concerns [3].
  • Major methodological concerns in the cited RCT include a lack of PRP characterization [3].
  • Major methodological concerns in the cited RCT include short-term follow-up [3].
  • Future studies on PRP clinical utility should prioritize long-term outcomes to guide clinical decision-making [3].
  • Leukocyte-rich PRP (L-PRP) is an effective treatment option for knee osteoarthritis based on current evidence [4].
  • Leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP) is an effective treatment option for knee osteoarthritis based on current evidence [4].
  • L-PRP and LP-PRP have comparable efficacy for knee osteoarthritis based on current evidence [4].
  • Interventions employing PRP are considered in the context of degenerative osteoarthritis as a reversible chronic disease [5].
  • Findings from a randomized controlled trial in chronic tenosynovitis refute claims of PRP equivalence to placebo [6].
  • Findings from a randomized controlled trial in chronic tenosynovitis support the efficacy of PRP over placebo [6].
  • The authors of a 2023 response argued that they fulfilled the reporting requirements for the injected PRP product as defined by MIBO [7].
  • Rigorous basic, translational, and clinical research remains fundamental to realize the promise of PRP treatment for musculoskeletal disease [8].
  • The authors of a retrospective study recommend systematically offering PRP therapy for competition sports practitioners with large joint osteoarthritis [9].
  • The authors of a 2025 RCT do not support the routine use of PRP for the treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome [12].
  • Studies evaluating the outcomes and procedures of PRP use in lateral epicondylitis demonstrate poor adherence to MIBO guidelines [13].
  • Findings from a 2026 meta-analysis do not support PRP as a recommended treatment for lateral epicondylitis [16].

How It Works

  • At least two PRP injections are recommended for treating knee osteoarthritis, with effects lasting for at least 24 weeks [1].
  • Leukocyte-rich PRP (L-PRP) and leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP) are effective treatment options with comparable efficacy for knee osteoarthritis based on current evidence [4].
  • PRP demonstrates efficacy over placebo in the treatment of chronic tenosynovitis [6].
  • Corticosteroids result in greater short-term improvement than PRP for lateral elbow tendinopathy, while PRP demonstrates superior longer-term outcomes at 6 and 12 months [10].
  • PRP is no more effective than placebo for treating Achilles tendinopathy [11].
  • Routine use of PRP is not supported for the treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome [12].
  • A direct, linear relationship exists between the concentration factor of PRP used and the magnitude of patient-reported symptom relief after PRP injection for lateral epicondylitis [14].
  • High-dose PRP shows significant efficacy over alternative treatment strategies for lateral epicondylitis [14].
  • Optimizing osteoarthritis treatment involves tailoring PRP protocols to disease stage, with low platelet, high leukocyte PRP recommended for early OA due to its anti-inflammatory effects [20].
  • High platelet, low leukocyte PRP is preferred for advanced osteoarthritis to promote tissue repair and regeneration [20].
  • Interventions employing PRP, MSCs, and exosomes are considered in the context of degenerative osteoarthritis as a reversible chronic disease [5].
  • An innovative biological approach to the treatment of muscle injuries is the application of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) in intramuscular infiltrations [18].
  • The goal of characterizing PRP is to discern key molecular mediators between leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP) and leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP) derived from the same patient with equivalent platelet concentrations [19].

What the Evidence Shows

Knee Osteoarthritis

  • Both leukocyte-rich (L-PRP) and leukocyte-poor (LP-PRP) are effective treatment options for knee osteoarthritis with comparable efficacy based on current evidence [4].
  • Leukocytes did not affect the safety and efficacy of intra-articular PRP injections for the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis [22].
  • Intra-articular PRP injection is an effective treatment for improving overall function in patients with primary osteoarthritis, particularly in younger individuals [27].
  • Spin bias is highly prevalent in the abstracts of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of intra-articular PRP to treat knee osteoarthritis, with identified spin tending to favor the use of PRP [28].
  • Further studies will be needed to evaluate PRP’s long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness for practical patient use in the future [2].

Tendinopathy

  • PRP is no more effective than placebo for treating Achilles tendinopathy and should not be used for this indication until new, large, high-quality RCTs upend current knowledge [11].
  • PRP does not improve pain or function in patients with lateral epicondylitis as compared with placebo [16].
  • A direct, linear relationship was observed between the concentration factor of PRP used and the magnitude of patient-reported symptom relief after PRP injection for lateral epicondylitis, with high-dose PRP showing significant efficacy over alternative treatment strategies [14].
  • Corticosteroids resulted in greater short-term improvement, while PRP demonstrated superior longer-term outcomes at 6 and 12 months for the treatment of lateral elbow tendinopathy [10].
  • PRP injections are a safe and effective conservative treatment method for reducing pain symptoms and increasing functionality in patients with lateral epicondylitis [26].
  • PRP can effectively improve pain and functional impairment in patients with tendinopathy, and its midterm efficacy is superior to that of corticosteroids [24].
  • These findings refute claims of PRP equivalence to placebo and support its efficacy over placebo in chronic tenosynovitis [6].

Other Indications

  • PRP is not supported for the routine use in the treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome [12].
  • The application of PRP following core decompression results in significant pain relief, improved short-term functional outcomes, and enhanced quality of life compared to core decompression alone in early osteonecrosis of the femoral head [23].
  • Current evidence supports the selective use of PRP in sports settings for acute muscle injuries, though standardization in protocols and outcomes is needed [15].
  • The authors recommend systematically offering PRP therapy for competition sports practitioners for large joint osteoarthritis [9].

Methodology and Reporting

  • Studies evaluating the outcomes and procedures of the use of PRP in the setting of lateral epicondylitis have poor adherence to MIBO guidelines [13].
  • The authors' conclusions regarding the clinical utility of PRP should be interpreted with caution due to major methodological concerns, including lack of PRP characterization and short-term follow-up [3].

Practical Considerations

  • Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of PRP for practical patient use [2].
  • Further studies are needed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of PRP for practical patient use [2].
  • Conclusions regarding the clinical utility of PRP should be interpreted with caution due to major methodological concerns, including lack of PRP characterization and short-term follow-up [3].
  • Future studies should prioritize long-term outcomes to guide clinical decision-making more effectively [3].
  • Leukocyte-rich PRP (L-PRP) and leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP) are effective treatment options for knee osteoarthritis [4].
  • The authors of a specific study argue that they fulfilled the reporting requirements for the injected PRP product as defined by MIBO [7].
  • The authors of a retrospective study recommend systematically offering PRP therapy for competition sports practitioners [9].
  • Corticosteroids resulted in greater short-term improvement than a single PRP injection for lateral elbow tendinopathy [10].
  • PRP demonstrated superior longer-term outcomes than corticosteroids at 6 and 12 months for lateral elbow tendinopathy [10].
  • PRP should not be used for Achilles tendinopathy until new, large, high-quality RCTs upend current knowledge [11].
  • Current evidence supports the selective use of PRP in sports settings for acute muscle injuries [15].
  • Standardization in protocols and outcomes is needed for the use of PRP in sports settings [15].
  • The economic value of LP-PRP is conditional rather than uniform [21].
  • The economic value of LP-PRP depends on revision probability and preparation cost [21].

Key Evidence

  • [L3] At least two PRP injections are recommended, with effects lasting for at least 24 weeks. [1] (10.1186/s13018-025-05756-6)
  • [L4] Further studies will be needed to evaluate PRP’s long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness for practical patient use in the future. [2] (10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-24-00140)
  • [L5] The authors' conclusions regarding the clinical utility of PRP should be interpreted with caution due to major methodological concerns, including lack of PRP characterization and short-term follow-up; future studies should prioritize long-term outcomes to guide clinical decision-making more effectively. [3] (10.1016/j.arth.2025.05.007)
  • [L1] Both L-PRP and LP-PRP are effective treatment options with comparable efficacy based on current evidence. [4] (10.1186/s13018-026-06689-4)
  • [L5] Interventions employing PRP, MSCs and exosomes are considered in this article. [5] (10.1016/j.reth.2020.07.007)
  • [L1] These findings refute claims of PRP equivalence to placebo and support its efficacy over placebo. [6] (10.1186/s12891-025-09339-8)
  • [Paper] The authors argue that they fulfilled the reporting requirements for the injected PRP product as defined by MIBO. [7] (10.1177/03635465231203202)
  • [Paper] Rigorous basic, translational, and clinical research remains fundamental to realize the promise of PRP treatment for musculoskeletal disease. [8] (10.1177/03635465251395284)
  • [L4] The authors recommend systematically offering PRP therapy for competition sports practitioners. [9] (10.1186/s12891-025-08663-3)
  • [L1] Corticosteroids resulted in greater short-term improvement, while PRP demonstrated superior longer-term outcomes at 6 and 12 months. [10] (10.1177/23259671251386862)
  • [L1] PRP is no more effective than placebo for treating Achilles tendinopathy and should not be used for this indication until new, large, high-quality RCTs upend current knowledge. [11] (10.1097/corr.0000000000003478)
  • [L1] As a result, we do not support the routine use of PRP for the treatment of this condition. [12] (10.2106/jbjs.24.00763)
  • [L2] This review demonstrated that studies evaluating the outcomes and procedures of the use of PRP in the setting of LE have poor adherence to MIBO guidelines. [13] (10.5397/cise.2024.01060)
  • [L1] A direct, linear relationship was observed between the concentration factor of PRP used and the magnitude of patient-reported symptom relief after PRP injection, with high-dose PRP showing significant efficacy over alternative treatment strategies. [14] (10.1016/j.jisako.2025.100442)
  • [L2] Current evidence supports the selective use of PRP in sports settings, though standardization in protocols and outcomes is needed. [15] (10.1177/23259671251399907)
  • [L1] These findings do not support PRP as a recommended treatment for this condition. [16] (10.1177/03635465251383039)
  • [L5] An innovative biological approach to the treatment of muscle injuries is the application of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) in intramuscular infiltrations. [18] (10.1016/s0020-1383(14)70004-x)
  • [L5] The goal of the study was to discern key molecular mediators between leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP) and leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP) derived from the same patient with equivalent platelet concentrations. [19] (10.1177/03635465231206930)
  • [L1] Optimizing OA treatment involves tailoring PRP protocols to disease stage, with low platelet, high leukocyte PRP recommended for early OA due to its anti-inflammatory effects and high platelet, low leukocyte PRP preferred for advanced OA to promote tissue repair and regeneration. [20] (10.1186/s13018-025-06026-1)
  • [L1] The economic value of LP-PRP is conditional rather than uniform and depends on revision probability and preparation cost. [21] (10.1016/j.jse.2026.02.018)
  • [L1] This double-blind randomized controlled trial demonstrated that leukocytes did not affect the safety and efficacy of intra-articular PRP injections for the treatment of patients with knee OA. [22] (10.1177/03635465241283500)
  • [L3] The application of PRP following CD results in significant pain relief, improved short-term functional outcomes, and enhanced quality of life compared to CD alone. [23] (10.1186/s12891-024-08243-x)
  • [L1] PRP can effectively improve pain and functional impairment in patients with tendinopathy, and its midterm efficacy is superior to that of corticosteroids. [24] (10.1186/s12891-025-08566-3)
  • [L4] PRP injections are a safe and effective conservative treatment method for reducing pain symptoms and increasing functionality in patients with lateral epicondylitis. [26] (10.1177/2325967125s00169)
  • [L1] Intra-articular PRP injection is an effective treatment for improving overall function in patients with primary OA, particularly in younger individuals. [27] (10.1186/s12891-026-09486-6)
  • [L1] Spin bias is highly prevalent in the abstracts of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of intra-articular PRP to treat knee osteoarthritis, with identified spin tending to favor the use of PRP. [28] (10.1002/arj.70027)

References

[1] Efficacy of multiple autologous apheresis platelet-rich plasma injections for treating knee osteoarthritis and its influencing factors: a retrospective cohort study. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-025-05756-6

[2] Overview of Available Treatments and Their Limitations for Hypertrophic Facet Joints—A Systematic Review of the Literature. JAAOS: Global Research and Reviews. 2025. DOI: 10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-24-00140

[3] Letter Regarding “Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections are Inferior to Corticosteroid Injections for Short-Term Pain Relief: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial”. The Journal of Arthroplasty. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2025.05.007

[4] Leukocyte-rich versus leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-026-06689-4

[5] Degenerative osteoarthritis a reversible chronic disease. Regenerative Therapy. 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2020.07.007

[6] Time-dependent growth factor kinetics, platelet concentration, and clinical response following platelet-rich plasma versus saline in chronic tenosynovitis: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-025-09339-8

[7] Improving Injectable Orthobiologics Reporting Guidelines Adherence: Response. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023. DOI: 10.1177/03635465231203202

[8] Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disease in 2025 and Beyond. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/03635465251395284

[9] Platelet-rich plasma treatment for large joint osteoarthritis: retrospective study highlighting a possible treatment protocol with long-lasting stimulation of the joint with an adequate dose of platelets. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-025-08663-3

[10] A Randomized Controlled Trial of 1-Year Clinical Outcomes of a Single Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Versus Corticosteroid for the Treatment of Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/23259671251386862

[11] Editor’s Spotlight/Take 5: Is Platelet-rich Plasma Effective in Treating Achilles Tendinopathy? A Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2025. DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000003478

[12] Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Placebo for the Treatment of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2025. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.24.00763

[13] Adherence rates to the Minimum Information for Studies Evaluating Biologics in Orthopedics guidelines for clinical studies on platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review. Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow. 2026. DOI: 10.5397/cise.2024.01060

[14] Platelet Concentration Factor Explains Variability in Outcomes of Platelet-rich Plasma for Lateral Epicondylitis: High Dose Critical for Positive Response. Journal of ISAKOS. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.jisako.2025.100442

[15] Platelet-Rich Plasma in Acute Muscle Injuries: An Umbrella Review and Meta-analysis of Return to Sport and Reinjury Outcomes. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/23259671251399907

[16] Platelet-Rich Plasma Does Not Improve Pain or Function in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis as Compared With Placebo: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/03635465251383039

[18] Muscle repair: platelet-rich plasma derivates as a bridge from spontaneity to intervention. Injury. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(14)70004-x

[19] The Accurate Characterization of Platelet-Rich Plasma Enables Its Classification and Comparison: Response. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023. DOI: 10.1177/03635465231206930

[20] The efficacy of platelet-rich plasma preparation protocols in the treatment of osteoarthritis: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-025-06026-1

[21] Leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma reduces retear risk after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a meta-analysis with mechanistic and economic evaluation. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2026.02.018

[22] Leukocytes Do Not Influence the Safety and Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2024. DOI: 10.1177/03635465241283500

[23] Efficacy of small-diameter core decompression with platelet-rich plasma in early osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a retrospective study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-08243-x

[24] Platelet-rich plasma and corticosteroid injection for tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-025-08566-3

[26] Poster 58: Decreased Pain After Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in Lateral Epicondylitis Patients in the Early Follow-up Period. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2025. DOI: 10.1177/2325967125s00169

[27] Investigating the therapeutic impact of platelet-rich plasma on knee, hip, and traumatic osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis and systematic review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-026-09486-6

[28] Statistically Significant Results Favored in Abstracts of Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Spin Analysis. Arthroscopy. 2026. DOI: 10.1002/arj.70027

Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0

CC Creative Commons licence
BY Attribution — you must credit the source
NC NonCommercial — not for commercial use

Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International

Creative Commons Corporation ("Creative Commons") is not a law firm and does not provide legal services or legal advice. Distribution of Creative Commons public licenses does not create a lawyer-client or other relationship. Creative Commons makes its licenses and related information available on an "as-is" basis. Creative Commons gives no warranties regarding its licenses, any material licensed under their terms and conditions, or any related information. Creative Commons disclaims all liability for damages resulting from their use to the fullest extent possible.

Using Creative Commons Public Licenses

Creative Commons public licenses provide a standard set of terms and conditions that creators and other rights holders may use to share original works of authorship and other material subject to copyright and certain other rights specified in the public license below. The following considerations are for informational purposes only, are not exhaustive, and do not form part of our licenses.

Considerations for licensors: Our public licenses are intended for use by those authorized to give the public permission to use material in ways otherwise restricted by copyright and certain other rights. Our licenses are irrevocable. Licensors should read and understand the terms and conditions of the license they choose before applying it. Licensors should also secure all rights necessary before applying our licenses so that the public can reuse the material as expected. Licensors should clearly mark any material not subject to the license. This includes other CC- licensed material, or material used under an exception or limitation to copyright. More considerations for licensors: wiki.creativecommons.org/Considerations_for_licensors

Considerations for the public: By using one of our public licenses, a licensor grants the public permission to use the licensed material under specified terms and conditions. If the licensor's permission is not necessary for any reason--for example, because of any applicable exception or limitation to copyright--then that use is not regulated by the license. Our licenses grant only permissions under copyright and certain other rights that a licensor has authority to grant. Use of the licensed material may still be restricted for other reasons, including because others have copyright or other rights in the material. A licensor may make special requests, such as asking that all changes be marked or described. Although not required by our licenses, you are encouraged to respect those requests where reasonable. More considerations for the public: wiki.creativecommons.org/Considerations_for_licensees

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Public License

By exercising the Licensed Rights (defined below), You accept and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Public License ("Public License"). To the extent this Public License may be interpreted as a contract, You are granted the Licensed Rights in consideration of Your acceptance of these terms and conditions, and the Licensor grants You such rights in consideration of benefits the Licensor receives from making the Licensed Material available under these terms and conditions.

Section 1 -- Definitions.

a. Adapted Material means material subject to Copyright and Similar Rights that is derived from or based upon the Licensed Material and in which the Licensed Material is translated, altered, arranged, transformed, or otherwise modified in a manner requiring permission under the Copyright and Similar Rights held by the Licensor. For purposes of this Public License, where the Licensed Material is a musical work, performance, or sound recording, Adapted Material is always produced where the Licensed Material is synched in timed relation with a moving image.

b. Adapter's License means the license You apply to Your Copyright and Similar Rights in Your contributions to Adapted Material in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Public License.

c. Copyright and Similar Rights means copyright and/or similar rights closely related to copyright including, without limitation, performance, broadcast, sound recording, and Sui Generis Database Rights, without regard to how the rights are labeled or categorized. For purposes of this Public License, the rights specified in Section 2(b)(1)-(2) are not Copyright and Similar Rights.

d. Effective Technological Measures means those measures that, in the absence of proper authority, may not be circumvented under laws fulfilling obligations under Article 11 of the WIPO Copyright Treaty adopted on December 20, 1996, and/or similar international agreements.

e. Exceptions and Limitations means fair use, fair dealing, and/or any other exception or limitation to Copyright and Similar Rights that applies to Your use of the Licensed Material.

f. Licensed Material means the artistic or literary work, database, or other material to which the Licensor applied this Public License.

g. Licensed Rights means the rights granted to You subject to the terms and conditions of this Public License, which are limited to all Copyright and Similar Rights that apply to Your use of the Licensed Material and that the Licensor has authority to license.

h. Licensor means the individual(s) or entity(ies) granting rights under this Public License.

i. NonCommercial means not primarily intended for or directed towards commercial advantage or monetary compensation. For purposes of this Public License, the exchange of the Licensed Material for other material subject to Copyright and Similar Rights by digital file-sharing or similar means is NonCommercial provided there is no payment of monetary compensation in connection with the exchange.

j. Share means to provide material to the public by any means or process that requires permission under the Licensed Rights, such as reproduction, public display, public performance, distribution, dissemination, communication, or importation, and to make material available to the public including in ways that members of the public may access the material from a place and at a time individually chosen by them.

k. Sui Generis Database Rights means rights other than copyright resulting from Directive 96/9/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 1996 on the legal protection of databases, as amended and/or succeeded, as well as other essentially equivalent rights anywhere in the world.

l. You means the individual or entity exercising the Licensed Rights under this Public License. Your has a corresponding meaning.

Section 2 -- Scope.

a. License grant.

1. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Public License, the Licensor hereby grants You a worldwide, royalty-free, non-sublicensable, non-exclusive, irrevocable license to exercise the Licensed Rights in the Licensed Material to:

a. reproduce and Share the Licensed Material, in whole or in part, for NonCommercial purposes only; and

b. produce, reproduce, and Share Adapted Material for NonCommercial purposes only.

2. Exceptions and Limitations. For the avoidance of doubt, where Exceptions and Limitations apply to Your use, this Public License does not apply, and You do not need to comply with its terms and conditions.

3. Term. The term of this Public License is specified in Section 6(a).

4. Media and formats; technical modifications allowed. The Licensor authorizes You to exercise the Licensed Rights in all media and formats whether now known or hereafter created, and to make technical modifications necessary to do so. The Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any right or authority to forbid You from making technical modifications necessary to exercise the Licensed Rights, including technical modifications necessary to circumvent Effective Technological Measures. For purposes of this Public License, simply making modifications authorized by this Section 2(a) (4) never produces Adapted Material.

5. Downstream recipients.

a. Offer from the Licensor -- Licensed Material. Every recipient of the Licensed Material automatically receives an offer from the Licensor to exercise the Licensed Rights under the terms and conditions of this Public License.

b. No downstream restrictions. You may not offer or impose any additional or different terms or conditions on, or apply any Effective Technological Measures to, the Licensed Material if doing so restricts exercise of the Licensed Rights by any recipient of the Licensed Material.

6. No endorsement. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be construed as permission to assert or imply that You are, or that Your use of the Licensed Material is, connected with, or sponsored, endorsed, or granted official status by, the Licensor or others designated to receive attribution as provided in Section 3(a)(1)(A)(i).

b. Other rights.

1. Moral rights, such as the right of integrity, are not licensed under this Public License, nor are publicity, privacy, and/or other similar personality rights; however, to the extent possible, the Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any such rights held by the Licensor to the limited extent necessary to allow You to exercise the Licensed Rights, but not otherwise.

2. Patent and trademark rights are not licensed under this Public License.

3. To the extent possible, the Licensor waives any right to collect royalties from You for the exercise of the Licensed Rights, whether directly or through a collecting society under any voluntary or waivable statutory or compulsory licensing scheme. In all other cases the Licensor expressly reserves any right to collect such royalties, including when the Licensed Material is used other than for NonCommercial purposes.

Section 3 -- License Conditions.

Your exercise of the Licensed Rights is expressly made subject to the following conditions.

a. Attribution.

1. If You Share the Licensed Material (including in modified form), You must:

a. retain the following if it is supplied by the Licensor with the Licensed Material:

i. identification of the creator(s) of the Licensed Material and any others designated to receive attribution, in any reasonable manner requested by the Licensor (including by pseudonym if designated);

ii. a copyright notice;

iii. a notice that refers to this Public License;

iv. a notice that refers to the disclaimer of warranties;

v. a URI or hyperlink to the Licensed Material to the extent reasonably practicable;

b. indicate if You modified the Licensed Material and retain an indication of any previous modifications; and

c. indicate the Licensed Material is licensed under this Public License, and include the text of, or the URI or hyperlink to, this Public License.

2. You may satisfy the conditions in Section 3(a)(1) in any reasonable manner based on the medium, means, and context in which You Share the Licensed Material. For example, it may be reasonable to satisfy the conditions by providing a URI or hyperlink to a resource that includes the required information.

3. If requested by the Licensor, You must remove any of the information required by Section 3(a)(1)(A) to the extent reasonably practicable.

4. If You Share Adapted Material You produce, the Adapter's License You apply must not prevent recipients of the Adapted Material from complying with this Public License.

Section 4 -- Sui Generis Database Rights.

Where the Licensed Rights include Sui Generis Database Rights that apply to Your use of the Licensed Material:

a. for the avoidance of doubt, Section 2(a)(1) grants You the right to extract, reuse, reproduce, and Share all or a substantial portion of the contents of the database for NonCommercial purposes only;

b. if You include all or a substantial portion of the database contents in a database in which You have Sui Generis Database Rights, then the database in which You have Sui Generis Database Rights (but not its individual contents) is Adapted Material; and

c. You must comply with the conditions in Section 3(a) if You Share all or a substantial portion of the contents of the database.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 4 supplements and does not replace Your obligations under this Public License where the Licensed Rights include other Copyright and Similar Rights.

Section 5 -- Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability.

a. UNLESS OTHERWISE SEPARATELY UNDERTAKEN BY THE LICENSOR, TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, THE LICENSOR OFFERS THE LICENSED MATERIAL AS-IS AND AS-AVAILABLE, AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND CONCERNING THE LICENSED MATERIAL, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHER. THIS INCLUDES, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, ABSENCE OF LATENT OR OTHER DEFECTS, ACCURACY, OR THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF ERRORS, WHETHER OR NOT KNOWN OR DISCOVERABLE. WHERE DISCLAIMERS OF WARRANTIES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS DISCLAIMER MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

b. TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, IN NO EVENT WILL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE TO YOU ON ANY LEGAL THEORY (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE FOR ANY DIRECT, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, OR OTHER LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THIS PUBLIC LICENSE OR USE OF THE LICENSED MATERIAL, EVEN IF THE LICENSOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES. WHERE A LIMITATION OF LIABILITY IS NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

c. The disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability provided above shall be interpreted in a manner that, to the extent possible, most closely approximates an absolute disclaimer and waiver of all liability.

Section 6 -- Term and Termination.

a. This Public License applies for the term of the Copyright and Similar Rights licensed here. However, if You fail to comply with this Public License, then Your rights under this Public License terminate automatically.

b. Where Your right to use the Licensed Material has terminated under Section 6(a), it reinstates:

1. automatically as of the date the violation is cured, provided it is cured within 30 days of Your discovery of the violation; or

2. upon express reinstatement by the Licensor.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 6(b) does not affect any right the Licensor may have to seek remedies for Your violations of this Public License.

c. For the avoidance of doubt, the Licensor may also offer the Licensed Material under separate terms or conditions or stop distributing the Licensed Material at any time; however, doing so will not terminate this Public License.

d. Sections 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 survive termination of this Public License.

Section 7 -- Other Terms and Conditions.

a. The Licensor shall not be bound by any additional or different terms or conditions communicated by You unless expressly agreed.

b. Any arrangements, understandings, or agreements regarding the Licensed Material not stated herein are separate from and independent of the terms and conditions of this Public License.

Section 8 -- Interpretation.

a. For the avoidance of doubt, this Public License does not, and shall not be interpreted to, reduce, limit, restrict, or impose conditions on any use of the Licensed Material that could lawfully be made without permission under this Public License.

b. To the extent possible, if any provision of this Public License is deemed unenforceable, it shall be automatically reformed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable. If the provision cannot be reformed, it shall be severed from this Public License without affecting the enforceability of the remaining terms and conditions.

c. No term or condition of this Public License will be waived and no failure to comply consented to unless expressly agreed to by the Licensor.

d. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be interpreted as a limitation upon, or waiver of, any privileges and immunities that apply to the Licensor or You, including from the legal processes of any jurisdiction or authority.

Creative Commons is not a party to its public licenses. Notwithstanding, Creative Commons may elect to apply one of its public licenses to material it publishes and in those instances will be considered the “Licensor.” The text of the Creative Commons public licenses is dedicated to the public domain under the CC0 Public Domain Dedication. Except for the limited purpose of indicating that material is shared under a Creative Commons public license or as otherwise permitted by the Creative Commons policies published at creativecommons.org/policies, Creative Commons does not authorize the use of the trademark "Creative Commons" or any other trademark or logo of Creative Commons without its prior written consent including, without limitation, in connection with any unauthorized modifications to any of its public licenses or any other arrangements, understandings, or agreements concerning use of licensed material. For the avoidance of doubt, this paragraph does not form part of the public licenses.

Creative Commons may be contacted at creativecommons.org.