Platelet-rich Plasma Injection Research Articles

The Pathomechanism and Current Treatments for Chronic Interstitial Cystitis and Bladder Pain Syndrome.

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic and debilitating condition characterized by symptoms such as bladder pain, frequent urination, and nocturia. Pain is typically perceived in the lower abdomen, pelvic floor, or urethra, causing significant discomfort and impacting quality of life. Due to the similarity of its symptoms with those of overactive bladder and acute bacterial cystitis, patients often face misdiagnosis and delayed appropriate treatment. Hunner's (HIC) and non-Hunner's IC (NHIC), each with distinct clinical presentations, urothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and central sensitization and thus multimodal symptomatic treatment approaches, may be the most common pathogeneses of IC/BPS. Treatment of IC/BPS should involve identifying the different clinical phenotypes and underlying pathophysiology causing clinical symptoms and developing strategies tailored to the patient's needs. This review discusses the roles of urine biomarkers, bladder inflammation, and glycosaminoglycans in the pathogenesis of IC/BPS. Various bladder treatment modalities are explored, including glycosaminoglycan replenishment, botulinum toxin A injection, platelet-rich plasma injection, low-energy shock waves, immunosuppression, and low-dose oral prednisolone. Pelvic floor muscle physiotherapy and bladder therapy combined with psychiatric consultation can help alleviate psychological stress and enhance the quality of life of patients with IC/BPS. Elucidating the pathological mechanisms and exploring diverse treatment options would help advance the care of individuals suffering from this challenging bladder condition.

Comparative Effectiveness of Acupuncture Versus Non-surgical Modalities for Treating Plantar Fasciitis: A Network Meta-Analysis.

Plantar fasciitis, or plantar heel pain, causes inflammation of the plantar fascia due to various causes, with no clear consensus on the treatment protocol. Standard first-line treatment includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy. Second-line treatment prior to surgery includes extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), ultrasound-guided (USG) therapy, corticosteroid injection (CSI), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. Recently, the use of acupuncture treatment has been gaining popularity, with increasing published evidence showing its effectiveness in treating plantar fasciitis. The objective of this study was to determine whether acupuncture intervention was a viable alternative treatment method for managing plantar fasciitis when compared to ESWT, USG therapy, CSI, and PRP injection. Data sources from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were reviewed. Clinical trials were searched from their inception over the period of January 2000 to October 2020. A total of 32 relevant papers were included for analysis, totaling 2390 samples. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores measuring pain were analyzed in terms of outcome after one and three months of treatment. Each time point was analyzed separately through a network meta-analysis using the frequentist approach. VAS scores for each intervention at baseline and the two-time points (i.e., one and three months) were included in the comprehensive meta-analysis. Then, differences in VAS scores were calculated in R studio (V4.1.2; RStudio: Integrated Development for R,RStudio, Inc., Boston, USA) using the netmeta package. The netmeta package was also used to perform the network meta-analysis and generate corresponding figures. Direct and indirect effects were assessed and visualized through a direct evidence plot and a node-splitting forest plot. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs involving treatments of acupuncture, ESWT, USG therapy, CSI, or PRP injection, either in comparison with each other or with a placebo, were included in our review. Our meta-analysis showed that at one month, VAS scores for acupuncture treatment had the highest mean difference (MD) of -1.33 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) = -2.19 to -0.46) compared to placebo, indicating thatacupuncture treatment was more effective than other treatment arms when compared to placebo. Analysis at threemonths showed that the highest-ranked treatment was PRP injection, with an MD of -2.67 (95% CI = -6.23 to 0.89). However, the CI for the net effect of all treatments crossed the null effect on the forest plot, indicating no statistically significant difference between the treatment and placebo. Acupuncture treatment should be considered as a second-line treatment for treatment of plantar fasciitis together with other common treatment options such as ESWT, PRP injection, CSI, and USG therapy. Further long-term studies measuring acupuncture treatment outcomes would be beneficial in the future.

Intraovarian Platelet-Rich Plasma Administration for Anovulatory Infertility: Preliminary Findings of a Prospective Cohort Study.

Background/Objectives: Infertility constitutes a significant challenge for couples around the world. Ovarian dysfunction, a major cause of infertility, can manifest with anovulatory cycles, elevated follicle-stimulating hormone levels, and diminished ovarian reserve markers such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels or the Antral Follicle Count (AFC). Blood-derived therapies including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have been used in fertility treatments in women with low ovarian reserve or premature ovarian insufficiency. This prospective clinical cohort study aims to assess the effects of intraovarian PRP therapy on ovarian function in women diagnosed with anovulatory cycles. Methods: The preliminary findings of this prospective cohort study are based on the first 32 patients enrolled. In this study, patients over 40 years old with anovulatory infertility were included. Venous blood samples were collected from each participant for the preparation of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Each participant received two courses of intraovarian PRP injections using a transvaginal ultrasound-guided approach. Serum levels of reproductive hormones before and after PRP intervention were measured. Results: This study's results demonstrate a significant improvement in ovarian physiology following transvaginal ultrasound-guided PRP infusion. A 75% increase in Antral Follicle Count (AFC) was observed, which was statistically significant. Furthermore, statistically significant reductions in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin levels were observed. Serum Vitamin D 1-25 levels were substantially increased after the injection. Conclusions: These findings highlight the beneficial impact of intraovarian PRP injection in optimizing ovarian function and other metabolic parameters. However, the published literature on this subject is limited and further clinical studies should be conducted to confirm the role of intraovarian PRP in fertility treatments.

Ultrasound Imaging in Diagnosis and Management of Lower Limb Injuries: A Comprehensive Review.

Medical imaging tests are widely used to diagnose a broad spectrum of lower-limb injuries. Among these modalities, ultrasound (US) imaging has gained significant traction as a valuable diagnostic instrument for assessing conditions primarily affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. However, there are important dilemmas related to the indications and possibilities of US in lower-limb injuries. Conflicting findings and approaches raise questions regarding the validity, accuracy, and usefulness of the US in that area. This narrative review attempts to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding US imaging of lower-limb injuries. The study provides a detailed discussion of the existing literature and contemporary insights on the diagnosis of lower-limb injuries using US examination, and draws attention to the role of the US in interventional procedures and monitoring of the healing process. The characteristics of normal muscles, tendons, and ligaments in US imaging are presented, along with the most commonly documented conditions affecting these tissues. Furthermore, the benefits and justifications for employing US in interventional procedures are discussed, ranging from platelet-rich plasma injections to physiotherapeutic treatments like percutaneous electrolysis. The study was further augmented with US pictures depicting various lower-limb injuries, mainly affecting young athletes. This article aims to review the role of US imaging in the diagnosis and management of common lower-limb injuries.

Lateral Epicondylitis Treated with Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection and Corticosteroid Injection.

Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, affects 1%-3% of adults aged 35-50, causing pain and weakness in the dominant elbow due to chronic inflammation of the extensor tendon. While corticosteroid injections (CSI) are commonly used for treatment, they offer only short-term relief. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a promising alternative with potential for long-term benefits. This study compares the efficacy of PRP and CSI in treating lateral epicondylitis. A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute from February 2020 to March 2021, involving patients with lateral epicondylitis unresponsive to non-invasive treatments. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either PRP or CSI, with pre- and post-treatment pain and function assessed using VAS, PSFS, and PRTEE scores. PRP showed better long-term pain reduction and functional improvement than CSI. At 6 months, PRP-treated patients had significantly lower VAS and PRTEE scores, indicating superior outcomes. Although CSI provided quicker initial relief, PRP demonstrated sustained benefits at 3 and 6 months. PRP's effectiveness in promoting tissue healing may explain its long-term success. PRP is more effective than CSI for long-term management of lateral epicondylitis, offering superior pain relief and functional improvement.

La lesión del hueso subcondral no influye en los resultados clínicos a 12 semanas en los pacientes tratados con plasma rico en plaquetas intraarticular por artrosis de rodilla: estudio retrospectivo

ObjectiveTo determine if subchondral bone damage can influence the clinical results of intraarticular platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) treatment in knee osteoarthritic patients. Material and methodsA retrospective review of patients treated with intraarticular PRP injections for knee osteoarthritis who previously underwent a Magnetic Resonance (MR) of the knee was performed. Visual Analogic Score (VAS) was assesed for pain, whereas WORMS MR score was adapted to assess the damage to the subchondral bone (WORMSsc score). ResultsSixty-one patients were treated with 3 weekly injections of PRP. Mean VAS reduction was 27.67±13.13 points (P<.005). WORMS sc mean score was 32±18.5 points. NO correlation between WORMSsc and VAS was found. A moderate correlation between WORMSsc score and Preoperative VAS was found (r=.43; P<.005). ConclusionThere is no correlation between the damage to the subchondral bone assesed by MR and pain relief at 12 weeks in patients treated with intraarticular platelet-rich plasma in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A greater damage to the subchondral bone could be associated with more pain.

Preliminary Report of the Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Ovarian Function and Oocyte Quality in Women with Ovarian Failure

This study investigated the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment on ovarian function and pregnancy outcomes in three patients with severe reduction of ovarian reserve. The patients had previously undergone multiple cycles of assisted reproductive technology (ART) without favorable results. Prior to PRP treatment, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels were assessed. PRP was administered through intraovarian injection. Hormonal assessments were performed at 6–7 months after the first PRP injection. The results showed major improvements in ovarian function, as evidenced by decreased FSH levels and increased AMH levels in all three patients. The number of mature oocytes retrieved per cycle and the ovum-to-blastocyst rate were also improved. All the patients achieved successful pregnancies and gave birth to healthy infants. These findings suggest that PRP may enhance ovarian function, oocyte quality, and pregnancy outcomes in patients with severely reduced ovarian reserve. Further research is necessary to validate these results and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Platelet-rich Plasma as an Adjuvant Therapy to Crystallized Phenol in the Treatment of Pediatric Pilonidal Sinus Disease: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an adjuvant to crystallized phenol (CP) in treating pediatric pilonidal sinus disease (PSD). MethodsA single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted at Istanbul Esenyurt Hospital. Eighty-seven patients aged 0–18 were randomly assigned to two groups: the CP group (n = 42) and the CP + PRP group (n = 45). Upon arrival at the clinic, patients began a regimen of manual shaving and, if necessary, laser epilation every 6–8 weeks. For those with pilonidal abscesses, incision, drainage, and antibiotics were given. The treatment area was sterilized and numbed with local anesthesia. Hair removal and curettage were performed, followed by the application of crystallized phenol. In CP + PRP group, PRP injections were also administered. The procedure concluded with wound dressing and thorough disinfection. The study was registered https://clinicaltrials.gov/ (NCT06324656). ResultsThe CP + PRP group demonstrated significantly shorter healing times (19.4 ± 7.88 days) compared to the CP group (30.7 ± 12.9 days) (p < 0.001). The cosmetic score was higher in the CP + PRP group (7.42 ± 1.61) than in the CP group (6.11 ± 1.88, p = 0.001). CP + PRP group had lower VAS scores at measured all-time points after applications (p < 0.05 for each). Complications were comparable between the groups, with no significant differences in bleeding, infections, or skin burns (p > 0.05 for each comparison). No difference was found between groups in terms of total complication rate (p = 0.398). The success rate was higher in CP + PRP group (98%; n = 44) compared to CP group (86%; n = 36) (p = 0.039). Recurrence rates were lower in CP + PRP group (2%; n = 1) than CP group (14%; n = 6) (p = 0.039). ConclusionThe autologous PRP injection in pediatric PSD is safe. The addition of PRP to CP treatment for pediatric PSD significantly improves healing time, cosmetic outcomes, and overall success rates without increasing complication rates. This combined approach offers a promising alternative for effective and efficient treatment of PSD in children. Type of the studyRandomized controlled trial. Level of evidenceLevel I

Arthroscopic Mumford Procedure for AC Joint Arthritis

Background: Acromioclavicular (AC) joint arthritis is a common cause of shoulder pain in young patients. Management has been focused on relieving pain mainly with conservative nonsurgical procedures such as corticoid injections, physical therapy and even, recently, orthobiological interventions with platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid injections. However, failed conservative management opens the door to surgical interventions such as the arthroscopic distal third of the clavicle resection. Indications: Patients submitted to this surgery must have a confirmed diagnosis of an arthritic, painful AC joint that has not been properly responding to nonoperative management. Technique Description: The surgical procedure is done in the beach chair position with standard arthroscopic portals. After a proper intraarticular evaluation of the structures and ruling out any other causes of pain, the surgeon passes to the subacromial space. Identification of the AC joint is made by following the coracoacromial ligament medial and with manipulation of the clavicle from the patient's skin. Debridement should start by releasing the anterior and posterior ligaments to allow for proper visualization of the articulation. A bur or a 5.5-mm shaver is used to start resection of the distal third of the clavicle under visualization and with care to not create a vault. The procedure is considered done when a smooth articular surface is visualized and with at least 5 mm of space between the clavicle and the acromion. Results: The proposed technique, which is a variant of the classic distal clavicle excision, has shown improved functional outcomes with reproducible postoperative scores and low complications rates in the setting of patients with isolated AC joint arthritis. Conclusion: Surgical management of the painful, arthritic AC joint has been evolving alongside with the history of shoulder arthroscopy; the proposed arthroscopic approach is an easy and effective way of freeing the patient of pain and discomfort with quick return to activities and sports. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

16-Year Old Severe PCL Knee Sprain Corrected with Bone Marrow Aspirate

This case report describes the successful treatment of a 16-year-old male basketball player with chronic instability and pain in his left knee following a grade 3 posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) sprain sustained during a trampoline accident. Initial conservative management and subsequent complete healing of the PCL did not alleviate the patient's symptoms of knee instability. After thorough evaluation, including physical exam, ultrasound, and MRI review, the patient opted for an unconventional treatment approach involving whole bone marrow aspiration and prolotherapy-based injections into multiple knee structures. The treatment protocol included injections into the PCL, quadriceps tendon, patellar tendon, patellofemoral ligaments, menisci, and Hoffa’s fat pad under ultrasound and X-ray guidance. This was followed by a regimen that included platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, high-dose vitamin C infusions, and adjunctive therapies such as red-light therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. The patient underwent six weeks of intensive physical therapy focusing on muscle strengthening and neuromuscular re-education. Within 2.5 months post-treatment, the patient demonstrated full stability of the knee without pain or swelling, allowing a return to basketball activities. Subsequent follow-ups at six months and one year revealed sustained improvement with no recurrence of symptoms, enabling unrestricted participation in competitive basketball. This case highlights the successful utilization of comprehensive regenerative medicine techniques and rehabilitation strategies in resolving chronic knee instability and facilitating return to sport in a young athlete.

Corticosteroid injections for knee osteoarthritis offer clinical benefits similar to hyaluronic acid and lower than platelet-rich plasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Intra-articular corticosteroid (CS) injections for knee osteoarthritis (OA) management are endorsed by several scientific societies, while the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is more controversial. Aim of the study was to quantify and compare the clinical effectiveness of CS injections with respect to HA and PRP in patients with knee OA. The search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science following the PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the comparison of CS injections and HA or PRP injections for the treatment of knee OA were included. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was used to interpret the clinical relevance of the improvements at different follow-ups up to 12 months. The study quality was assessed using the Cochrane RoB-2 tool and the GRADE guidelines. Thirty-five RCTs were included (3348 patients). The meta-analysis comparing CS and HA revealed no difference in terms of WOMAC improvement, while HA showed superior VAS pain improvement at long-term follow-up (P = 0.011), without reaching the MCID. PRP offered a superior WOMAC improvement compared to CS at short- (P = 0.002), mid- (P < 0.001, exceeding the MCID), and long-term (P < 0.001, exceeding the MCID) follow-ups. PRP offered a superior VAS improvement at mid- (P < 0.001, exceeding the MCID) and long-term (P = 0.023) follow-ups. CS injections for knee OA offer similar results to HA and PRP only at short term, while there is an overall superiority of PRP at longer follow-ups. This difference is not only statistically significant but also clinically relevant in favour of PRP.

Comparative Study Between Nanofat and Platelet Rich Plasma Injections in the Treatment of Recent Scars

Comparative Study Between Nanofat and Platelet Rich Plasma Injections in the Treatment of Recent Scars

Effect of a single versus serial platelet-rich plasma injection on the healing of acute patellar tendon defect: an experimental study

BackgroundThere is no consensus on the frequency and timing of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in tendon healing. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of single versus multiple PRP injections in the healing of patellar tendon defects in the experimental model, through histological and biomechanical investigation.MethodsForty-four male skeletally mature Dutch rabbits were randomly divided into the five study groups ( A, B,C, D,E). After creating a longitudinal acute patellar tendon defect on both knees (One-third the width of the patella tendon), the right legs of the rabbits were used as the intervention group and the left legs as the control groups. Animals in groups A, B, and C were euthanized on days 7, 14, and 28, respectively, after the first PRP injection. Animals in group D received the second PRP injection on day 10 and was euthanized on day 14. Animals in group D received the second and third PRP injections on days 10 and 20, respectively, and were euthanized on day 28. The outcomes were evaluated histologically (modification of Movin’s Grading) and biomechanically.ResultsThe inflammatory condition was exaggerated in groups D and E. Load at failure was higher in the non-injected side of groups D and E, while there was no significant difference between the right and left legs of the three groups A, B and C. In other word, groups with a single PRP injection were more resistant to the increasing load compared to the groups with multiple PRP injections.ConclusionsPRP improves tendon healing if injected early after injury, while its injection after the initial phase of injury hampers tendon healing. In addition, a single PRP injection seems to be more effective than multiple PRP injection. Therefore, in cases where PRP injection is indicated for tendon repair, such as acute tendon injury, we recommend using a single PRP injection during tendon repair surgery.

The combined application of pulsed electromagnetic fields and platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of early-stage knee osteoarthritis: A randomized clinical trial.

This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of combined treatment with pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in improving pain and functional mobility among patients with early-stage knee osteoarthritis (KOA). We hypothesize that this combined therapy can yield superior treatment outcomes. Based on the different treatment regimens, we divided 48 patients diagnosed with Kellgren-Lawrence grades I-III KOA into 3 groups: the PRP group, the PEMFs group, and the PRP + PEMFs group. Each subtype of KOA patients was randomly assigned to different treatment groups. In the PRP group, patients received intra-articular injections of leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma once a month for 3 consecutive months. In the PEMFs group, patients receive low-frequency PEMFs irradiation therapy with a frequency of 30 Hz and intensity of 1.5 mT, once daily, 5 times a week, for a consecutive treatment period of 12 weeks. In the PRP + PEMFs group, patients receive both of the aforementioned treatment protocol. The treatment effects on patients are evaluated at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12 post-treatment. Assessment parameters include visual analog scale for pain, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Lequesne Index score, and knee joint range of motion. From the 4th to the 12th week of treatment, the visual analog scale scores, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores, and Lequesne index scores of patients in all 3 groups gradually decreased, while knee joint mobility gradually increased (P < .05). At weeks 4, 8, and 12 after treatment, the PRP combined with PEMFs group showed significantly better scores compared to the PRP group and the PEMFs group, with statistically significant differences (P < .05). A total of 7 patients experienced adverse reactions such as knee joint swelling, low-grade fever, and worsening knee joint pain after treatment, all of which disappeared within 1 week after treatment. The incidence of complications did not differ significantly among the 3 groups (P = .67). PRP, PEMFs, and the combination of PRP and PEMFs therapy all effectively alleviate knee joint pain and improve joint function. However, compared to single treatment modalities, the combined therapy of PRP and PEMFs demonstrates more pronounced efficacy.

Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Steroids In Patients of Tennis Elbow

Objective: To compare the efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma versus Steroids among patients managed for Tennis elbow at our Orthopaedic unit. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Orthopaedic Department, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jan 2021 to Jul 2022. Methodology: Patients with Tennis Elbow diagnosed by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon were included in the study. They were randomly allocated treatment with platelet-rich plasma and steroid injections. The team assessed them after three months of treatment using the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score. Different factors, including mode of treatment, were associated with significant improvement in these patients at the end of three months. Results: Out of 250 patients with tennis elbow included in the final analysis, 193(77.2%) were male, and 57(22.3%) were female. Patients were divided into two groups for comparison, and Group-1 had significant improvement, while Group-2 had no improvement. Out of the total, 117(46.8%) patients received platelet-rich plasma, while 133(53.2%) patients were managed with corticosteroids. The presence of comorbid illnesses and the use of platelet-rich plasma was statistically significantly found in a group with significant improvement in Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (p-value&lt;0.05) as compared to a group of patients without significant improvement. Conclusion: Most patients had significant improvement in symptoms at the end of three months. In our study, patients who were managed with platelet-rich plasma and had no comorbid illness had more chances of significant improvement at the end of three months.

Injectable GelMA Hydrogel Microspheres with Sustained Release of Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Thin Endometrium.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) intrauterine infusion has been demonstrated to be effective in treating thin endometrium and achieving pregnancy. However, the rapid release of growth factors limits its effectiveness in clinical applications, and thus, multiple intrauterine infusions are often required to achieve therapeutic efficacy. In this study, a GelMA hydrogel microsphere biomaterial is developed using droplet microfluidics to modify the delivery mode of PRP and thus prolong its duration of action. Its biocompatibility is confirmed through both in vivo and in vitro studies. Cell experiments show that PRP-loaded microspheres significantly enhance cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. In vivo experiments show that the effects of PRP-loaded microspheres on repairing the endometrium and restoring fertility in mice could achieve the impact of triple PRP intrauterine infusions. Further mechanistic investigations reveal that PRP could facilitate endometrial repair by regulating the expression of E2Fs, a group of transcription factors. This study demonstrates that hydrogel microspheres could modify the delivery of PRP and prolong its duration of action, enabling endometrial repair and functional reconstruction. This design avoids repeated intrauterine injections of PRP in the clinic, reduces the number of patient visits, and provides a new avenue for clinical treatment of thin endometrium.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Versus Plantar-Specific Calf Stretching Exercises in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition with multifactorial etiology. It is the most frequent cause of heel pain and has been categorized as an overuse syndrome. A clinical examination and history are crucial for diagnosis. There are several different forms of treatment available, two of which are frequently used: physical therapy and steroid injections. Recent research on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has demonstrated encouraging outcomes and fewer side effects when compared to steroid injections. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted and randomization was done of indoor patients into two groups. Group 1, ending with odd numbers, was given PRP injections, and Group 2, ending with even numbers, was advised plantar-specific calf stretching exercises. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores were evaluated before and after the intervention and follow-up was done on the second, sixth, and 12th weeks. Results Comparing the VAS scores between the two groups, we found that in the pre-intervention phase, the VAS score of Group 1 was 5.4±0.56 and that of Group 2 was 5.4±0.59. In the post-intervention phase, the VAS score in Group 1 was 4.6±0.89, while in Group 2 it was 5.2±0.62. In the second week after intervention, the VAS score was observed to be 3.3±0.97 in Group 1, while in Group 2, it was 3.3±0.80. After the sixth week of intervention, the observed VAS score was 2.7±0.78, while in Group 2 it was 2.9±0.82. The mean VAS score after 12weeks of intervention was observed to be 2.3±0.91 in Group 1, while in Group 2, it was 2.2±0.80. Conclusion PRP injections and plantar-specific calf stretching exercises are equally effective in providing pain relief in plantar fasciitis. PRP injections have complications and problems which have been discussed. Exercises are devoid of such complications. No recurrences occurred in the exercise group and four cases had recurrence in the PRP group.

Functional outcome of autologus platelet rich plasma injection as treatment for patients with plantar fascitis

Functional outcome of autologus platelet rich plasma injection as treatment for patients with plantar fascitis

The additive value of platelet-rich plasma to topical Minoxidil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

It still needs to be determined if platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has any added advantage over Minoxidil in treating androgenetic alopecia. We reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing scalp injections of PRP plus Minoxidil vs Minoxidil alone for managing androgenetic alopecia. All RCTs published on Embase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed comparing PRP plus Minoxidil vs. Minoxidil alone were eligible. The literature search was completed on 5 March 2024. The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024509826). Of five included RCTs, three had a high risk of bias, while one had some concerns. A systematic review of the studies showed that all trials reported better outcomes with PRP plus Minoxidil than with Minoxidil alone. Meta-analysis showed that hair density at one month (MD: 11.07 95% CI: 1.20, 20.94 I2 = 0%), three months (MD: 21.81 95% CI: 10.64, 33.00 I2 = 57%) and 5/6 months (MD: 17.80 95% CI: 7.91, 27.69 I2 = 80%) of follow-up was significantly better in the PRP plus Minoxidil vs the Minoxidil alone group. Meta-analysis of adverse events showed that the risk of adverse events was comparable in both groups (OR: 0.55 95% CI: 0.22, 1.36 I2 = 0%). The certainty of evidence on the GRADE assessment was "low to very low." Very low-quality evidence shows that the addition of injectable PRP to topical Minoxidil may improve outcomes in patients with androgenetic alopecia. The addition of PRP was found to improve hair density and patient satisfaction significantly. However, the small number of studies with a high risk of bias and heterogeneity in PRP preparation methods are significant limitations of current evidence. Further studies with larger sample sizes and uniform PRP preparation protocols are needed.

Platelet rich plasma injection in knee osteoarthritis: results after four years.

Background Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a progressive degenerative disease and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Intra-articular injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is still a debatable symptomatic treatment and has provided multiple publications in literature with mixed results. Aim of the work To evaluate the short and long term effects of intra-articular injection of PRP on pain and functional status of the knee joint as measured by the Lysholm questionnaire and visual analogic pain scale (VAS). Patients and methods Twenty-one patients with primary Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 KOA were assessed using the Lysholm questionnaire and the visual analogue scale for pain (VAS). A single PRP injection was administered, followed by reassessment of VAS at the first, fourth and eighth weeks after the injection. After eight weeks, patients were assessed with VAS and Lysholm questionnaire. In order to evaluate the long term effect of this single injection, we reassessed the patients four years after the injection using the same method. Results Fifteen females (71%) and six males (29%) with mean age 60 years (ranging from 44 to 76 years) were enrolled. After a single PRP injection, there was significant improvement in Lysholm and VAS. Before the injection, VAS medium score was 7 (ranging from 5 to 9) and we observed improvements in all assessments at the first (medium VAS 2), fourth (medium VAS 2) and eighth week (medium VAS 2) post injection and was still better than the pre injection score after 4 years (medium VAS 4). This was also observed in Lysholm score. The pre injection score was 41; at 8 weeks, 84; at 4 years, 66. Conclusion PRP injection achieves good results in the symptomatic treatment of Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 KOA. This study confirmed that a single PRP injection can provide a long-term effect in pain reduction and functional status improvement in KOA, despite the progression of the disease. Further studies with more patients and randomized double blinded controlled studies are recommended to confirm these results.