Investigating the Therapeutic Impact of Platelet-rich Plasma on knee Osteoarthritis: A Comprehensive Umbrella Review of Meta-analysis

Jin-Bin Yu ^* Jiu-Qiang Sun Jie Wei

• Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, China

Knee osteoarthritis (KO) is a common health problem, resulting in pain and functional limitations. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), rich in platelets and growth factors, shows promise for its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties in treating KO. This research aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current evidence on the effectiveness of PRP in managing KO. A thorough search of scientific databases was conducted to identify relevant meta-analysis studies published until April 2024. The review included 9 studies comprising 46 data sets that examined the effects of PRP on various outcomes, including the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, pain, stiffness, physical function, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, and quality of life (QOL). The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the AMSTAR2 tool. The results were mixed, with some studies reporting positive effects of PRP on WOMAC, pain, stiffness, and physical function, while others did not find significant benefits. The impact of PRP on VAS score and QOL was also inconsistent across the studies. The heterogeneity in the findings could be attributed to differences in PRP preparation methods, injection protocols, and patient characteristics. The umbrella review emphasizes the need for more high-quality research to establish PRP's role as a recognized therapeutic option for KO. Larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials with standardized PRP preparation and injection protocols, as well as longer follow-up periods, are required to better understand the efficacy and safety of PRP in managing KO.