Medical Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma - PRP has mixed evidence for its benefit in certain conditions. - It has been investigated for chronic tendinitis, osteoarthritis, oral surgery, and plastic surgery. - PRP is used in sports medicine and orthopedics for acute muscle strains, tendinopathy, muscle-fascial injuries, and osteoarthritis. - It is also used in dermatology for androgenic alopecia, wound healing, and skin rejuvenation. - PRP has been utilised in proctology for fistula-in-ano.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Elbow Tendinitis - A 2022 study found that PRP injections lowered pain scores and increased elbow function significantly compared to physical therapy. - Another 2022 study showed that PRP was effective for elbow tendinopathy, and the concentration of platelets and healing factors correlated with treatment success. - A 2022 meta-analysis of 26 studies found that PRP-treated patients rated their results significantly better using validated patient-rated outcome measures. - A 2021 systematic review concluded that it was uncertain if PRP improved elbow tendon healing. - A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis found that PRP was beneficial for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Rotator Cuff Disease - A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis showed improved patient-rated outcomes in patients with partial rotator cuff tears. - A 2021 prospective study found positive results in a majority of patients at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after receiving PRP injections for partial thickness rotator cuff tears. - A 2021 meta-analysis found that PRP was effective for partial rotator cuff tears, but the effects were no longer evident at 1 year. - PRP has been shown to be superior to cortisone injections in several studies, especially in the longer term. - However, a 2019 review found that PRP was not useful in rotator cuff disease.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Osteoarthritis - Tentative evidence supports the use of PRP in osteoarthritis of the knee. - A 2019 meta-analysis found that PRP might be more effective in reducing pain and improving function than hyaluronic acid in knee osteoarthritis.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Loss - PRP is beneficial for alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia and can be used as an alternative to minoxidil or finasteride. - It improves hair density and thickness in both genders. - A minimum of 3 treatments, once a month for 3 months, is recommended, followed by maintenance appointments. - Efficacy is determined by factors such as the number of sessions, centrifugation method, age, gender, and site of PRP injection. - Larger randomised controlled trials and standardised procedures are recommended for stronger consensus and development.