Today, AAPM&R released new clinical guidance on the use of platelet‑rich plasma (PRP) for knee osteoarthritis to support evidence‑informed practice in a rapidly-evolving orthobiologics landscape. Knee OA represents the most extensively studied application of PRP and is the most commonly treated joint with PRP, making this guidance highly relevant and broadly applicable to PM&R practice. The guidance statement recommends considering PRP for patients with mild to moderate knee OA who remain symptomatic despite conservative care, with expert consensus suggesting earlier intervention may lead to better outcomes. With this new guidance, AAPM&R is helping PM&R physicians lead the way in the safe and evidence-informed use of orthobiologics.
“The guidance statement manuscript is extremely impactful for PM&R physicians, trainees and patients. It provides an evidence-informed approach that accurately incorporates important nuances in platelet-rich plasma that can be readily integrated into patient care and education,” said Prathap Jayaram, MD, FAAPMR; Co-first Author, Director of Regenerative Sports Medicine and Translational Research, Associate Professor Department of PMR and Orthopedic Surgery, Emory University.
PRP use has grown substantially, yet wide variability in preparation methods, dosing and protocols has created uncertainty for clinicians and patients. Until now, there has been no widely accepted standard for delivering PRP in knee OA. This new guidance provides much-needed clinical direction for the orthobiologics space to help clinicians deliver more standardized, effective and patient-centered PRP care.
"With the expert work done by this group, we have a finished manuscript that provides for the first time an updated recommendation on PRP utility in patients with knee osteoarthritis," states Dr. Jayaram.
We encourage you to view this
important guidance and share it with your colleagues to support evidence-informed patient care. Learn more about AAPM&R’s guidance efforts
here.