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

This narrative review evaluates platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in sports medicine, focusing on optimal dosing strategies and preparation protocols. It concludes that platelet doses over 3.5 billion per injection and cumulative doses of 10–12 billion are most effective, particularly for conditions like knee osteoarthritis. Leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP) is preferred over leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP) for intra-articular applications due to lower inflammation. The review also highlights the potential of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) to enhance efficacy, though more clinical trials are needed. It stresses the importance of minimizing red blood cell contamination and pre-activation in PRP preparations and calls for standardized protocols and personalized formulations based on patient demographics to improve clinical outcomes. Future research should focus on refining PRP techniques and establishing evidence-based dosing guidelines.