ADVANCES IN THE APPLICATION OF PLATELET-RICH PLASMA IN THE TREATMENT OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: AN INTERNAL MEDICINE PRACTICE PERSPECTIVE
Main Article Content
Abstract
Objective: To update the biological rationale, clinical evidence, and practical implications of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis from an internal medicine perspective.
Subjects and methods: A focused narrative review was conducted, prioritizing clinical guidelines, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews published between 2019 and 2025. The analysis focused on mechanisms of action, clinical effectiveness, safety, patient selection, and applicability in internal medicine practice.
Results: Platelet-rich plasma may reduce pain and improve function in selected patients with knee osteoarthritis, particularly those with mild-to-moderate disease. However, outcomes are influenced by disease severity, patient characteristics, platelet concentration, leukocyte content, injection regimen, and concurrent rehabilitation. Current recommendations remain inconsistent due to heterogeneity in platelet-rich plasma preparations and lack of procedural standardization.
Conclusion: Platelet-rich plasma should be considered a selective adjunctive option within a multimodal treatment strategy rather than a replacement for weight management, exercise therapy, rehabilitation, baseline pain control, and comorbidity optimization.
Keywords
platelet-rich plasma, knee osteoarthritis, internal medicine, intra-articular injection, biological therapy.
Article Details
References
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