Platelet-Rich Plasma: Are We Ahead of the Evidence?

Articles in Press

Document Type : EDITORIAL

Authors

1 Trauma and Surgery Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Hematology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

10.22038/abjs.2026.95992.4305

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a cornerstone of regenerative medicine, promising to revolutionize tissue repair across various fields, from orthopedics to aesthetic medicine. However, despite its widespread adoption and hypothetical potential, a persistent gap remains between its biological promise and consistent clinical outcomes. This editorial aims to critically examine the current challenges hindering the standardization and efficacy of PRP therapy and to propose a roadmap for transitioning from empirical use to evidence-based practice. The primary obstacle to PRP’s clinical reliability is the significant heterogeneity in preparation protocols, resulting in products with varying platelet counts, leukocyte concentrations (particularly neutrophils), and growth factor kinetics. This lack of standardization, compounded by methodological limitations in existing literature—such as small sample sizes and the pronounced placebo effect—makes interpreting therapeutic efficacy difficult. Furthermore, regulatory ambiguities and concerns regarding cost-effectiveness in resource-constrained environments pose additional hurdles. While the autologous nature of PRP ensures a high safety profile, the transition from a "one-size-fits-all" approach to a precision-based methodology is urgently needed. To bridge the gap between laboratory potential and real-world clinical results, the field must prioritize rigorous, large-scale clinical trials and standardized classification systems. Research should shift from questioning general efficacy to identifying specific formulations tailored to particular clinical conditions. Moving forward, scientific discipline and evidence-based data must replace commercial hype to ensure that PRP therapy is both ethically sound and clinically predictable.

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Main Subjects

The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 June 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 May 2026
  • Revise Date:
  • Accept Date: 08 June 2026

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