Platelet-rich plasma is made by drawing a small amount of your blood, concentrating the platelets, and injecting that concentrate into the knee.

Does PRP regrow knee cartilage?

This review of 12 trials found only limited and inconsistent effects on cartilage and other structures seen on imaging, so it does not provide clear evidence that PRP rebuilds the joint.

Did this study look at pain relief from PRP?

No. It focused only on structural outcomes measured with imaging such as MRI, not on pain or function.

Research Summary

Does PRP Rebuild Knee Cartilage? Review of 12 Trials Finds Limited, Inconsistent Structural Effects

By KneePainNews Editorial Team · October 24, 2026 · Editorial Standards

Not medical advice. This is a plain-English summary for general information. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist before changing your care. Read our medical disclaimer.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections did not show clear, consistent benefits for the structure of arthritic knees on imaging scans. That is the conclusion of a new systematic review and meta-analysis published in Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery.

What was studied

PRP is made from a patient's own blood, concentrated and injected into the knee. It is often marketed as a way to help cartilage, not just ease pain. Researchers in Brazil set out to test that claim by looking only at structural outcomes measured on imaging, such as cartilage thickness and MRI scores.

They searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials published up to May 2026 and combined the results of 12 trials involving 1,200 patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Key findings

PRP was linked to greater improvement in cartilage thickness or volume behind the kneecap (the patellofemoral area) compared with control treatments.
There was no significant difference in cartilage of the inner shin bone (medial tibia) or in how cartilage defects progressed.
On MRI scoring, PRP did not change bone spurs (osteophytes) or bone cysts, but it was linked to less bone marrow swelling (edema).
Joint lining inflammation (synovitis) did not differ overall between groups.

What it means for people with knee pain

If you are considering PRP because you hope it will repair or rebuild your knee, this review suggests the evidence does not support that yet. The authors concluded the findings do not provide clear evidence for PRP as a structural, disease-modifying treatment. This review did not address whether PRP relieves pain, so talk with your doctor about what you hope a treatment will do.

Limitations

The authors say the favorable results for kneecap cartilage and bone marrow edema should be interpreted with caution, and that more high-quality trials with standardized imaging measures are needed.

Source: Pasqualotto E, et al. Platelet-rich plasma for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of structural outcomes. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, October 2026;146(1):381. doi:10.1007/s00402-026-06543-6. PMID 42918921. Read the original

Frequently asked questions

What is PRP?: Platelet-rich plasma is made by drawing a small amount of your blood, concentrating the platelets, and injecting that concentrate into the knee.
Does PRP regrow knee cartilage?: This review of 12 trials found only limited and inconsistent effects on cartilage and other structures seen on imaging, so it does not provide clear evidence that PRP rebuilds the joint.
Did this study look at pain relief from PRP?: No. It focused only on structural outcomes measured with imaging such as MRI, not on pain or function.

Sudden severe pain, swelling, or can't bear weight? Seek medical care promptly. In an emergency call 911.