Orthopedic PRP
    Orthopedic PRP
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    Hand (Thumb CMC)
    Level 1 Evidence
    Meta-Analysis
    Thumb CMC Osteoarthritis
    Significant Benefit

    Safety and Efficacy of PRP Injections in Basal Thumb OA: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

    (ScienceDirect SR 2025) · Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma (2025)

    DOI: 10.1016/S0974-3227(25)00017-1

    This 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis is the most comprehensive assessment of PRP for thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis to date. Seven studies comprising 115 patients were analyzed, with most joints categorized as Eaton-Littler grade III (moderate to severe disease). Despite significant heterogeneity in PRP preparation protocols, injection volumes (~1.3 mL per injection), and follow-up periods, PRP consistently showed significant pain reduction and improved hand function. No major adverse events were reported.

    Clinical Relevance

    Confirms the emerging positive signal for PRP in small joint OA of the hand. The small injection volumes and low complication rate make this an accessible office-based procedure. Clinicians treating hand OA should be aware of this growing evidence base, particularly for patients who have exhausted conventional options.

    Key Takeaways

    • 7 studies, 115 patients (most comprehensive thumb CMC PRP review)
    • Consistent pain reduction and functional improvement across heterogeneous studies
    • Most joints were grade III Eaton-Littler classification
    • Mean injection volume ~1.3 mL (smaller than large joint applications)
    • Mean 1.4 injections per patient
    • No major adverse events
    • Calls for standardized protocols and larger RCTs

    Key Findings

    7 studies, 115 patients. PRP consistently demonstrated significant pain reduction and hand function improvement. No adverse events except one palmar wrist ganglion. Most joints were Eaton-Littler grade III. Mean follow-up 14.1 months. Heterogeneity in protocols limits conclusions but overall trend strongly positive.

    Clinical Context

    Study Design

    Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

    Condition

    Thumb CMC Osteoarthritis

    Sample Size

    115 patients

    Follow-up

    14 months

    Control Group

    Corticosteroid, HA (various across studies)

    Primary Outcome

    VAS, DASH/qDASH

    PRP Protocol & Intervention

    Preparation System

    Various across 7 studies

    Guidance Method

    Variable

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