Re-Evaluating Platelet-Rich Plasma Dosing Strategies in Sports Medicine: The Role of the "10 Billion Platelet Dose" in Optimizing Therapeutic Outcomes-A Narrative Review

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is increasingly recognized as a promising treatment for musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoarthritis (OA), tendinopathy, and muscle injuries. This narrative review synthesizes the current literature to evaluate the efficacy of PRP, with a focus on platelet dosing strategies, leukocyte composition, and preparation protocols. Evidence suggests that optimal therapeutic outcomes are achieved when platelet doses exceed 3.5 billion per injection, with cumulative doses of 10-12 billion across multiple treatments. In intra-articular applications, leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP), characterized by reduced neutrophil content, demonstrates superior efficacy compared to leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP). However, its effectiveness in tendon and muscle regeneration remains a subject of debate. Preliminary data suggest that the inclusion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) may enhance PRP efficacy, though robust clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. Furthermore, red blood cell contamination and pre-activation have been identified as detrimental to PRP effectiveness, highlighting the need for standardized preparation protocols. This review emphasizes the importance of tailoring PRP formulations to patient-specific factors and musculoskeletal conditions. Future research should focus on refining PRP preparation techniques, identifying optimal leukocyte compositions, and establishing standardized guidelines to enhance clinical outcomes.

Keywords: orthobiologic; platelet dose; platelet-rich plasma; sport medicine.