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Evidence. Clarity. Practice.

© 2026 OrthoVellum. For educational purposes only.

Not medical advice. Verify clinically important information against current local guidance.

Back to Research
Level IHigh YieldSports MedicineMeta-Analysis

Evidence brief

PRP Evidence

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Orthopaedic Surgery: Evidence Review

Authors
Sheth U, Simunovic N, Klein G, et al
Journal
Am J Sports Med
Year
2012

Key Findings

  • 1

    Heterogeneity in PRP preparations limits conclusions

  • 2

    Some evidence for knee OA symptom relief

  • 3

    Limited evidence for tendinopathy

  • 4

    ACL graft maturation may be enhanced

  • 5

    Rotator cuff healing benefit uncertain

Clinical Implications

PRP evidence remains mixed with significant heterogeneity in preparations and applications. Some promising results for specific indications but not universally recommended.

Teaching Note

Be evidence-based when discussing PRP. Acknowledge: varying preparation methods, inconsistent results across studies. Best evidence for: knee OA (short-term), chronic tendinopathy (some benefit). Avoid overpromising to patients. Discuss cost-benefit.

Citation

Sheth U et al. Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma use for orthopaedic indications: a meta-analysis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2012;94(4):298-307.

PubMedDOI

Evidence Level

I

Level I

Systematic review of RCTs or high-quality RCT

Topics

PRPbiologicshealingmeta-analysis

Related Topics

  • Biologics Orthopaedics
  • Knee Osteoarthritis
  • Tendinopathy

External Links

View on PubMedView via DOI

Related Papers

I

ACL Graft Comparison

Xie X (2015)

I

Bankart Repair Evidence

Mohtadi NG (2005)

I

Multiligament Knee Injury

Levy BA (2009)

III

FAI Surgery Outcomes

Philippon MJ (2009)