Platelet-rich Plasma Treatment Group Research Articles

Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Management of Temporomandibular Joint Pain in Young Adults With Temporomandibular Disorder.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) encompasses a range of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated structures, with TMJ pain being a prevalent symptom. Conventional management strategies have limitations, which require the exploration of innovative interventions. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), known for its regenerative properties, presents a potential therapeutic avenue. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of PRP in reducing the pain associated with mild TMJ in young adults. Participants (n = 128) aged 18 to 35 years with mild TMD were evenly randomized into PRP treatment and placebo control groups. PRP was prepared using a standardized protocol, and intra-articular injections were administered. Placebo injections mimic PRP. Follow-up evaluations were carried out at four and eight weeks after the intervention. The study successfully randomized comparable groups, and the PRP treatment group experienced a significant reduction in TMJ pain (visual analog scale [VAS] score: 6.8 ± 1.2 to 2.1 ± 1.0 at eight weeks,P< 0.001). The PRP treatment also increased the largest opening of the mouth (from 38.2 ± 2.5 to 43.5 ± 3.1, P < 0.001) and the number of lateral movements (12.3 ± 1.5 to 14.9 ± 2.0, P < 0.001), while the placebo group had very few changes. Positive patient-reported outcomes on daily activities were observed, with no serious complications reported in either group. This study provides evidence supporting the efficacy of PRP in reducing TMJ pain, improving jaw function, and improving quality of life in young adults with mild TMD. The results underscore the potential of PRP as a minimally invasive intervention for TMJ disorders.

Effect of bone marrow aspiration concentrate and platelet-rich plasma combination in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized, prospective, double-blinded study

BackgroundThe effect of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combination in enhancing graft maturation and tendon–bone tunnel interfacial healing after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains unclear. We hypothesised that BMAC and PRP combination could lead to better clinical results and better graft maturation/interface healing than PRP alone or conventional ACL reconstruction without any other biologic augmentation.MethodsIn this randomised double-blind prospective study, patients undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery were randomly assigned into three groups: (1) control group (without any biologic augmentation), (2) PRP treatment group, and (3) combined BMAC and PRP (BMAC + PRP) group. Moreover, they were evaluated using the clinical functional score, laxity examination, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis.ResultsNo significant difference was observed in the improvement of functional scores among groups. However, laxity improvement at 24 weeks showed a significant difference with the BMAC + PRP group having the lowest laxity. MRI analysis showed no significant change in whole graft maturation among groups. In particular, the BMAC + PRP group showed delayed signal peak and higher graft signal at 24 weeks compared with the other two groups; however, the difference was not significant. With regard to tendon–bone interfacial healing, the BMAC + PRP group showed significantly wider tendon–bone interface in the femoral bone tunnel at 24 weeks compared with the other two groups. Moreover, the BMAC + PRP group showed significantly higher peri-tunnel edema signal in the femoral bone tunnel at 12 weeks compared with the other two groups.ConclusionPRP alone and BMAC and PRP combination showed limited enhancing effect in clinical function, graft maturation and tendon–bone interfacial healing compared with control (no additional treatment). When BMAC is used in ACL reconstruction, the possibility of greater inflammation in the early stage to graft maturation and bone tunnel healing should be considered.

The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Therapy in the Treatment of Patients with Achilles Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Over the past few years, many studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating musculoskeletal conditions. However, there is controversy about its benefits for patients with Achilles tendinopathy. This study aimed to investigate whether platelet-rich plasma injections can improve outcomes in patients with Achilles tendinopathy. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China Biomedical CD-ROM, and Chinese Science and Technology Journal databases to identify randomised controlled clinical trials that compared the efficacy of PRP injection in patients with Achilles tendinopathy (AT) versus placebo, published between 1 January 1966 and 1 December 2022. Review Manager 5.4.1 software was used for the statistical analysis, and the Jadad score was used to assess the included literature. Only 8 of the 288 articles found met the inclusion criteria. Our work suggests that: The PRP treatment group had a slightly higher VISA-A score than the placebo group at 6 weeks [MD = 1.92, 95% CI (-0.54, 4.38), I2 = 34%], at 12 weeks [MD = 0.20, 95% CI (-2.65 3.05), I2 = 60%], and 24 weeks [MD = 2.75, 95% CI (-2.76, 8.26), I2 = 87%]). However, the difference was not statistically significant. The Achilles tendon thickness was higher at 12 weeks of treatment in the PRP treatment group compared to the control group [MD = 0.34, 95% CI (-0.04, 0.71), p = 0.08], but the difference was not statistically significant. The VAS-improvement results showed no significant difference at 6 and 24 weeks between the two groups, respectively (MD = 6.75, 95% CI = (-6.12, 19.62), I2 = 69%, p = 0.30), and (MD = 10.46, 95% CI = (-2.44 to 23.37), I2 = 69%, p = 0.11). However, at 12 weeks of treatment, the PRP injection group showed a substantial VAS improvement compared to the control group (MD = 11.30, 95% CI = (7.33 to 15.27), I2 = 0%, p < 0.00001). The difference was statistically significant. The return to exercise rate results showed a higher return to exercise rate in the PRP treatment group than the placebo group [RR = 1.11, 95% CI (0.87, 1.42), p = 0.40]; the difference was not statistically significant. There is no proof that PRP injections can enhance patient functional and clinical outcomes for Achilles tendinopathy. Augmenting the frequency of PRP injections may boost the outcomes, and additionally, more rigorous designs and standardised clinical randomised controlled trials are needed to produce more reliable and accurate results.

Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers and its Regulation of Autophagy.

Objective: Through clinical trials, this study observes the therapeutic effect of platelet-rich plasma (platelet-rich plasma, PRP) on diabetic foot ulcers and explored the relationship between the relationship between PRP and autophagy. Methods: Thirty patients with diabetic foot ulcer who met the relevant criteria were randomly divided into PRP treatment group and control group. In the PRP treatment group, the formed PRP gel was coated and bandaged on the diabetic foot ulcer wound, and the PRP treatment was repeated on the seventh day. The control group was covered with normal saline sterile gauze. Observe the healing rate of the wound in 7 days, 14 days and 21 days, the pain in 5 consecutive days and the healing time of the wound after treatment, collect wound granulation tissues before and twenty-first days after treatment then detect the expression of autophagy-related proteins (LC-3, P62) and inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-10) in diabetic foot ulcer wound to investigate the potential relationship between PRP treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and autophagy and inflammatory responses. Results: The wound healing rate of diabetic foot ulcer patients in the PRP treatment group was higher than that in the control group on the seventh, 14th and 21st days, the healing time (31.40 ± 4.47) was better than that in the control group (43.20 ± 5.03) days, and the pain improvement was better than that in the control group (P < .05). The results of Western blot analysis and quantitative PCR of autophagy-related proteins (LC-3 and p62) in granulation tissue showed that the values of LC3 and LC3-II/LC3-I and the expression of LC3 gene in wound granulation tissue of PRP group were significantly higher than those before treatment (P < .05). The value and gene expression of P62 protein were lower than those before treatment (P < .05). In the control group, there was no significant difference in LC3 and P62 protein gray level and gene expression before and after treatment (P > .05). The level of autophagy in the wound of PRP group increased after treatment, while there was no statistical significance in the control group. The results of ELISA showed that the concentration of IL-6 in granulation tissue of the PRP treatment group was lower than that before treatment (P < .05), while there was no significant difference in IL-6 in the control group after treatment. The concentration of IL-10 increased in both groups after treatment, but the concentration in PRP group was higher than that in control group (P < .05). Conclusions: This study shows that PRP gel has advantages in accelerating wound healing, relieving pain, shortening healing time and reducing inflammatory response in treating diabetic foot ulcers wound, which may be related to autophagy, and provides new ideas for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.

Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Nasal Tip Reconstruction with Medpor Prosthesis

Objective: To observe the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on reducing ear cartilage absorption and nasal tip complications after nasal tip plasty with medpor prosthesis. Methods: During the conventional medpor rhinoplasty, PRP was injected locally around the tip and columella of the nose with medpor material. The morphology of the nasal tip cartilage and the shape of the nasal tip were observed at least 1 year after the surgery, and the status of cartilage absorption was judged. The statistical differences between the control group and the experimental group were analyzed by χ²-test. Results: After observation for 1 year, a total of 71 cases underwent conventional medpor rhinoplasty, of which 21 cases had cartilage resorption, and 10 cases had a prominent shape of the nasal tip prosthesis that required repair; In the platelet-rich plasma treatment group, there were 18 cases, 1 case of cartilage absorption, and 0 case requiring repair. There are significant statistical differences in clinical practice. Conclusion: PRP can significantly reduce the absorption of ear cartilage, maintain the appearance of the nasal tip, and improve the satisfaction of patients with medpor prosthesis rhinoplasty.

Comparison of Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment and Partial Plantar Fasciotomy Surgery in Patients with Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized, Prospective Study

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection has become a desirable alternative to Partial Plantar Fasciotomy (PPF) surgery and steroid injection for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis (CPF) due to its potential for shorter recovery times, reduced complications, and similar activity scores. As such, we compared PRP treatment to PPF surgery in patients with CPF. Between January 2015 and January 2017, patients were randomly divided into two groups, a PRP treatment group, and a PPF group. All procedures were performed by a single foot and ankle fellowship-trained specialist surgeon. Visual Analog Score (VAS) and Roles-Maudsley Scale (RM) were collected during the preoperative visit and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The patients were also closely followed by a physiotherapist. There were 16 patients in each group after four patients refused to participate. Patients in the PPF had low Roles-Maudsley Scale (RM) scores compared to the PRP group one-year after treatment (3.77 vs. 2.72, p < 0.0001). Both procedures showed a reduction in RM scores during the follow-up year (9 to 1.62 for PPF and 8.7 to 2.4 for PRP). There was no significant change in VAS pain between the two groups (p = 0.366). Patients treated with PRP injection reported a significant increase in their activity scores, shorter recovery time, and lower complication rates compared to PPF treatment. Moreover, with respect to existing literature, PRP may be as efficient as steroid injection with lower complication rates, including response to physical therapy. Therefore, PRP treatment may be a viable option before surgery as an earlier line treatment for CPF. Level of Clinical Evidence: II.

Adjunctive platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid injection after arthroscopic debridement in Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 and 4 knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUNDOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of pain and disability, predominantly affecting the knee. The current management of knee OA falls short of completely stopping disease progression, particularly in Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade 3 and 4 knee OA. As such, joint replacement is often recommended, although only 15%-33% of candidates accept it. Alternative therapeutic options are still needed to prevent the progression of joint damage and delay the need for knee arthroplasty.AIMTo investigate the effect of adjunctive platelet rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) after arthroscopic debridement in KL grade 3 and 4 knee OA.METHODSThis retrospective cohort study used the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score and WOMAC sub-scores (pain, stiffness, and function) to assess 21 patients, grouped according to medical record data of treatment received: Arthroscopic debridement (n = 7); arthroscopic debridement with PRP (n = 7); or arthroscopic debridement with HA (n = 7). WOMAC scores and sub-scores at baseline and at 3 mo and 5 mo posttreatment were recorded. The three-group data were statistically analyzed using the tests of paired t, one-way analysis of variance, and post hoc least significant difference.RESULTSAll three treatment groups showed significant improvements in WOMAC score and sub-scores from before treatment to 3 mo and 5 mo after treatment. However, the arthroscopic debridement with PRP treatment group, in particular, showed a significantly lower WOMAC pain score than the group who received arthroscopic debridement alone at 5 mo after the procedure (P = 0.03).CONCLUSIONCompared to arthroscopic debridement alone, adjunctive PRP after arthroscopic debridement significantly lessened the patients’ pain symptom.

VEGF-attenuated platelet-rich plasma improves therapeutic effect on cartilage repair.

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained popularity as a less invasive treatment for various musculoskeletal tissue injuries and conditions due to its favorable safety profile, minimal manipulation and cost-effectiveness. Although PRP treatment has been clinically used for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) and damaged cartilage, evidence on therapeutic efficacy has been inconsistent, which calls for a methodology to achieve consistent and improved treatment outcomes. Given that PRP contains numerous proteins, we hypothesized that attenuation of a growth factor known to be detrimental to the healing tissue would enhance efficacy of PRP treatment. Considering that VEGF-mediated angiogenesis inhibits the repair of articular cartilage, we developed VEGF-attenuated PRP by sequestering VEGF in PRP using VEGF-binding microspheres. We demonstrated that VEGF attenuation in PRP did not inhibit the effect of PRP on chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells in vitro. In addition, healing of rat OA cartilage was significantly improved after treatment with VEGF-attenuated PRP when compared to the PRP treatment group or PBS control group. We expect that attenuation of unwanted biological activity using growth factor-binding microspheres could provide a new PRP customization method broadly applicable to various tissue repair processes.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Improves Pregnancy Rate and Repairs Endometrial Injury in Patients with Repeated Implantation Failure

Objective: The effects investigated in this study for the therapy with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the thin endometrium in a rat model and patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF). Methods: PRP were immediately injected into uterine cavity after the establishing a model of thin endometrial injury by injection with 95% ethanol into uterus of SD rat. We have used H&amp;E staining to explore the endometrial morphological alteration. The immunohistochemistry, Western blots, and quantitative RT-PCR were used to determine the endometrial receptivity. RL95-2 cells were incubated with RPR at the different concentrations to detect the effect of PRP on the endometrial epithelial cell proliferation. Patients (n = 51) were divided into the control and PRP treatment groups. Patients in the PRP treatment group received PRP by intrauterine perfusion. Results: Endometrial morphology was significantly improved after PRP intrauterine infusion thrice-administered SD rats. PRP increased the thickness of thin endometrium in rats and up-regulate the expression of receptivity markers, including vimentin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and integrin β3. In the control (n = 25) and PRP treatment (n = 26) groups, no significant differences were observed in rates of clinical pregnancy (50.0% vs. 44.0%, p = 0.67), implantation (40.5% vs. 26.0%, p = 0.15) and miscarriage (30.8% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.48). Conclusions: The transplantation of PRP repairs the endometrial injury by suppressing receptivity, enhancing endometrial cell proliferation and vascular remodeling. PRP improves the pregnancy rate in RIF patients.

Assessment of the efficacy of intra-articular platelet rich plasma treatment in an ACLT experimental model by dynamic contrast enhancement MRI of knee subchondral bone marrow and MRI T2∗ measurement of articular cartilage

The vascularization of subchondral bone plays a significant role in the progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has positive effects on cartilage lesions. However, PRP's efficacy for subchondral bone marrow lesions and the relationship of these lesions to cartilage are still undiscovered. Therefore, our aims were first to longitudinally investigate the change in subchondral flow by dynamic contrast enhanced MRI and degeneration of cartilage by MRI T2∗ in an anterior cruciate transection rodent (ACLT) model, and second to examine changes in parameters after intra-articular PRP injection. A 32-week investigation in 18 rats allocated to sham-control, ACLT with normal saline injection (ACLT+NS), and ACLT with PRP injection groups ended with histological evaluation. Another rat was used as a donor of allogenic PRP. Compared to the sham-control group, the ACLT+NS group had higher subchondral blood volume A (0.051, 95% confidence interval: 0.009, 0.092) and lower venous washout kel (-0.030:-0.055,-0.005) from week 4; lower permeability kep from week 18 (-0.954:-1.339,-0.569); higher cartilage T2∗ values (1.803: 1.504, 2.102) reflecting collagen loss beginning at week 10. For the PRP treatment group, subchondral bone marrow A and cartilage T2∗ decreased from week 10. Histological results confirmed and were correlated with the MRI findings. Subchondral hyper-perfusion plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of OA and was associated with cartilage degeneration. The efficacy of PRP can be observed from reduced perfusion and MRI T2∗ values.

A meta-analysis of fractional CO2 laser combined with PRP in the treatment of acne scar.

This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness and safety of ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser systems (CO2 AFL) combined with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of acne scars through the retrieval and collection of related literature to further guide the treatment of acne scars. We searched Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Wanfang Data, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and VIP Database. All randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials on CO2 AFL combined with PRP in the treatment of acne scars were included, and Revman5.3 systematic review software was used in the meta-analysis. Nine studies were included in this meta-analysis. The data analysis results showed that the CO2 AFL combined with PRP treatment group showed significantly better results than the pure CO2 AFL control group in terms of clinical improvement score, clinical improvement rate, patient satisfaction, and crusting period. The results of this meta-analysis showed that CO2 AFL combined with PRP in the treatment of acne scars is more effective and safer than CO2 AFL alone.

Effect of inflammatory marker activity after intra-articular injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma in dogs with osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of lameness, pain, and dysfunction in dogs. To determine the levels of interleukin (IL) (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and prostaglandin E2 (PG-E2) in the synovial fluid after intra-articular injection of an autologous platelet-rich plasma concentrate to treat dogs with osteoarthritis. Twenty dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) were used as a materials. Fourteen dogs were used as a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment group and 6 dogs were used as a control (0.9 % NaCl). PRP was obtained by the double centrifuge method. Affected joints were examined by radiography and ultrasonography. Lameness and pain severity were evaluated by attending clinicians. Samples were collected under sterile conditions at pre-treatment, days 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, and weeks 4, 8, and 12. The marker levels were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. No adverse effects of the injection of platelet concentrate or saline solution were observed. No significant differences were found in the Hudson Visual Analog Scale and Canine Brief Pain Inventory scores between weeks 0, 4, and 12 in the control dogs. No significant changes were observed in IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and PG-E2 levels (P&gt;0.05) in synovial fluid from the PRP treatment group compared to synovial fluid from the control group, although fluctuations in parameter levels were observed in both groups. Despite some variable results in inflammatory parameters, clinical improvement was recorded in the PRP-treated group. PRP injection could be an effective and safe method for treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis.

Effects of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and platelet-rich plasma on healing of wounds with full-thickness skin defects in mice

Effects of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and platelet-rich plasma on healing of wounds with full-thickness skin defects in mice

Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Retarding Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: A Meta-Analysis of Animal Studies.

Objectives Several animal studies have demonstrated the positive effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on disc degeneration retardation. The present meta-analysis was to verify the efficacy of PRP in retarding disc degeneration in animal. Methods Relevant studies were identified and evaluated according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and related 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were estimated to assess PRP efficiency. Results In total, eleven studies were included in this meta-analysis. Significant differences were found in the PRP treatment group, which showed increased disc height (SMD = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.86, 3.47, p = 0.000), increased MRI T2 signal intensity (SMD = −3.29, 95% CI: −4.44, −2.13, p = 0.000), and decreased histological degeneration grade (SMD = −4.28, 95% CI: −5.26, −3.30, p = 0.000). However, no significant increase in collagen II expression was found (SMD = 25389.74, 95% CI: −27585.72, 78365.21, p = 0.348). Apart from the subgroup analysis of the disc height based on animal species (pig) and disc degeneration model (chymopapain induction), other subgroup analysis based on animal species (rabbit and rat), study design, disc degeneration model, and follow-up period demonstrated that PRP treatment can significantly restore disc height and increase MRI T2 signal intensity. Conclusions PRP treatment is potentially effective in restoring disc height of rodent rabbit and rat, reducing histological degeneration grade, and increasing MRI T2 image signal. PRP injection may be promising therapy for retarding disc degeneration.

Effects of Autologous Platelets Rich Plasma on Full-thickness Cutaneous Wounds Healing in Goats

This investigation was designed to evaluate the role of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) on healing of experimentally wounded skin in ten adult bucks, aged 2-3 years and weighing 25-30 kg. The animals divided randomly and equally into (control and treatment groups). Four of 3×3 cm of full-thickness square cutaneous wounds was induced on both sides of the lateral thoracic region of each animal under the effect of local anesthetic proceeding by xylazine hydrochloride as a sedative. A pair of left wounds was treated by injection with 5 mL of autonomous PRP (treatment group), 2 mm lateral to the wound edges and in the wound center. While, the right wound were injected by 5 mL of sterile saline by the same procedure (control group). Each group was divided into five subgroups (four wounds of each), for morph metrical and histopathological evaluations of wound healing process represented by percent of wound contraction, epithelialization and total healing at 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post-wounding. The morphometrical appearance of the wounds which treated with PRP, showed that the contraction, re-epithelialization and healing percent were statically significant (p<0.05) in comparison with control wounds during four weeks study. Based on histopathological results, there was re-epithelialization of epidermis, with highly cellular granulation tissue, well differentiated keratinocytes of epidermis with scar formation in the dermis of the sectioned skin. We conclude that local injection of PRP leads to accelerate and improvement of wound healing in comparison to control wounds.

Platelet-Rich Plasma?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is rapidly becoming a prominent method of treatment among sports medicine professionals. Yet research examining the efficacy of PRP has yielded mixed results. The type of PRP, along with the appropriate timing and number of injections, must be considered to assess treatment outcomes. In addition, post-PRP protocol must be implemented properly to yield positive results. Muscle, ligament, and tendon injury account for a significant loss of playing time among athletes. Moreover, these injuries account for more than 100 million office visits per year.1 As sports medicine professionals, our top priority is to find and develop methods that allow our athletes to heal quickly and return to the playing field in record time. Recently, there has been a significant increase in the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to help accomplish this goal. But is PRP the magic bullet we have been waiting for? The answer, simply, is we do not know yet. The conflicting evidence that surrounds the use of PRP treatment stems from a variety of reasons; as such, we will discuss a few of the variables that seem to play a major role in determining the outcome of PRP treatments in athletes and the general outpatient population. Over the past 2 years, sports medicine physicians at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have been using PRP with some good results; however, the published data are inconclusive at best. Two recent journal articles have demonstrated mixed results. Peerbooms et al2 randomized 100 patients with lateral epicondylitis experiencing pain for more than 6 months into 2 groups. Patients in the first group (n = 51) were treated with autologous PRP injection, and those in the second group (n = 49) were treated with a corticosteroid injection. A similar injection technique for both procedures was delivered directly into the patient’s most painful area. Successful treatment was defined as a 25% reduction in pain using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Outcome Measure score and the visual analog score (VAS). After a 1-year follow-up period, Peerbooms et al2 found that patients in the PRP treatment group experienced greater treatment success in VAS and DASH scores compared with the corticosteroid group. These differences were found to be statistically significant (P , .001 and P = .005, respectively). Of note, the steroid injection group showed a more favorable response 4 weeks after treatment. However, the PRP group continued to improve throughout the year, whereas the steroid group showed a regression.2 In a second study, de Vos et al3 examined the use of PRP in Achilles tendinopathy. This doubleblinded study randomized patients experiencing pain for more than 2 months into 2 groups. Participants in one group (n = 27) received a single injection with autologous PRP, and The authors are from the Departments of Sports Medicine, Orthopedics, and Family Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC . The authors have no financial or proprietary interest in the materials presented herein. Address correspondence to Harry Stafford, MD, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Departments of Sports Medicine, Orthopedics, and Family Medicine, 590 Manning Drive, CB #7595, Chapel Hill, NC 27599; e-mail: harry_stafford@med.unc.edu. doi:10.3928/19425864-20110629-03 © iS to ck ph ot o. co m