Platelet-Rich Plasma for Intra-articular Injections: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence.

The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been supported by encouraging data from in vitro and preclinical in vivo studies, both in terms of safety and efficacy. This led to the wide use of PRP injections in the clinical practice, with promising results especially as a minimally invasive treatment for cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis (OA). While many controversies remain on the best PRP formulation, the overall available clinical studies support the benefits of PRP, with functional improvement and reduction of pain-related symptoms up to 12 months, especially in young patients and early OA stages.