Platelet-rich plasma

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), also known as autologous conditioned plasma, is a concentrate of platelet-rich plasma protein derived from whole blood, centrifuged to remove red blood cells. Evidence for benefit is poor as of 2016.Blood drawn from patientRemoval of PRP after double centrifugationPRP is Injected into area of injury via ultrasound guidance Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), also known as autologous conditioned plasma, is a concentrate of platelet-rich plasma protein derived from whole blood, centrifuged to remove red blood cells. Evidence for benefit is poor as of 2016. PRP has been investigated and used for chronic tendinitis, osteoarthritis, in oral surgery, and in plastic surgery. It has not been found to be useful in rotator cuff disease. Tentative evidence supports its use in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. A 2009 review found few randomized controlled trials that adequately evaluated the safety and efficacy of PRP treatments and concluded that PRP was 'a promising, but not proven, treatment option for joint, tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries'. As compared to other conservative treatments for non-surgical orthopedic illnesses (e.g. steroid injection for plantar fasciitis), evidence does no support the use of PRP as a conservative treatment. A 2010 Cochrane review of use in sinus lifts during dental implant placement found no evidence of benefit. A 2013 review stated more evidence was needed to determine effectiveness for hair regrowth. A 2014 Cochrane review of PRP in musculoskeletal injuries found very weak evidence for a decrease in pain in the short term, and no difference in function in the short, medium or long term. There was weak evidence that suggested that harm occurred at comparable, low rates in treated and untreated people. Similarly, another 2017 review for treating pain on skin graft donor sites found the evidence for benefit was poor. It has not been shown to be useful for bone healing. A 2016 review of PRP use to augment bone graft found only one study reporting a difference in bone augmentation, while four studies found no difference. Since 2004, proponents of PRP therapy have argued that negative clinical results are associated with poor-quality PRP produced by inadequate single spin devices. The fact that most gathering devices capture a percentage of a given thrombocyte count could bias results, because of inter-individual variability in the platelet concentration of human plasma and more would not necessarily be better. PRP is also being injected into the vagina, in a procedure called 'O-shot' or 'orgasm shot' with claims that this will improve orgasms. There is no evidence, however, to support these claims.