Efficacy and Safety of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Intra-articular Injections in Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition causing significant pain and disability. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) intra-articular injections have emerged as a potential therapeutic option, but their efficacy is still debatable and their safety profile remains under-explored compared to standard treatments. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PRP injections in patients with hip OA by analyzing data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and the Virtual Health Library (VHL) until October 31, 2022, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were included if they were RCTs assessing PRP injections for hip OA and reporting adverse events. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment were performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2 tool). Out of 188 identified studies, five met the inclusion criteria. The studies varied in sample size (43-111 patients) and PRP preparation methods (closed vs. open systems). All studies demonstrated significant pain reduction and functional improvement with PRP. No major adverse events were reported, indicating a favorable safety profile. Minor side effects were transient and resolved without further intervention. Methodological quality ranged from low to high risk of bias. In conclusion, PRP injections appear to be a safe and effective treatment option for managing hip OA, with favorable outcomes compared to hyaluronic acid. Further research is necessary to standardize PRP protocols and assess long-term safety and efficacy.