My recent PRP post sparked some critical comments. Good. That is exactly what scientific discussion should do. But there is one rather inconvenient aspect of the PRP literature that deserves more attention. When searching registered trials of platelet-rich plasma for osteoarthritis that were started before 2020, the overwhelming majority appear to have no publicly available […]
In an earlier post, I discussed a familiar response to negative PRP trials: the studies did not use “real” PRP. The platelet concentration was supposedly too low. The theory is appealing. Platelets release growth factors, so more platelets should mean more healing. Of course, the concentrations of cartilage-degrading molecules may also increase—but let us conveniently […]
Platelet-rich plasma or PRP is probably the most popular orthobiologic treatment nowadays. Advocates of PRP claim that it can heal and promote healing of various orthopedic conditions. None of these claims are, however, backed by good clinical evidence. Some studies show that PRP is almost a miracle drug, but these studies often have major methodological […]
Orthobiologics have become increasingly popular in recent years. OrthoInfo defines orthobiologics as “therapies developed from biologic (natural) substances that can be used by orthopaedic specialists to relieve pain […], enhance the body’s ability to heal from a repetitive use injury […] and in some cases, improve healing after orthopaedic surgery.” One of the most popular […]
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one of those innovations in orthopaedics which has always had huge potential. It is widely used for variety of different acute and chronic conditions, but unfortunately the evidence of efficacy is still very weak. Fracture healing has been suggested as potential target for PRP. Recent review in the Injury journal quite […]