Table 5 Summary of clinical studies of platelet-rich plasma for treatment of focal cartilage defects

1 (12 years)

Medial femoral condyle

>2 cm² full-thickness avulsion

Reattachment of loose body and P-PRP injection

9

Complete reattachment and perfect continuity on MRI at 18 weeks; return to soccer training at 18 weeks and fully involved in competition at 9 months

[86]

5 (21–37 years)

Femoral condyle

3-12 cm², full-thickness

Cultured autologous BMSC + platelet-rich fibrin glue

14.2

All patients symptoms improved; ICRS nearly normal in 2 patients; MRI showed complete defect fill in 3 patients

[87]

5 (24–45 years)

Patellar cartilage

1-3 cm²; ICRS grade III or IV

Col I/III scaffold with L-PRP gel

24

VAS pain scores were reduced and function improved, but intralesional osteophytes in 3 patients and irregular surface were found in all

[88]

20 (15–50 years)

Knee osteochondral lesions

ICRS grade III or IV

HA membrane + BM concentrate + P-PRP gel

29

IKDC improved from 32.9 to 90.4; KOOS from 47.1 to 93.3; Col II positive and Col I negative staining in entire biopsies in 2 patients

[89]

48 (15–50 years)

Talar osteochondral lesions

1.6-2.6 cm²; 3–5 mm deep

Collagen or HA membrane + BM concentrate + P-PRP gel

29

AOFAS improved from 64.4 to 91.4; 94% return to low-impact sports at 4.4 months; varying regeneration on MRI and histological exam

[90]

52 (25–65 years)

Femoral and tibial condyle

1.5-5 cm²; Outerbridge III or IV

PGA-HA scaffold immersed in P-PRP and BM stimulation

12

All KOOS subscores improved; nearly normal appearance in 10 during arthroscopy; hyaline-like cartilage formation in 5 biopsies

[91]