The Epidemiology of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections From 2010 to 2020 in a Large US Commercial Insurance Claims Database: A Recent Update

Introduction:The popularity of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for the treatment of orthopaedic conditions has grown markedly. We sought to better define the trends in the usage of orthopaedic PRP injections across an insured US population over the past decade.Methods:The PearlDiver M91Ortho commercial administrative claims database was queried for all patients receiving PRP injections for orthopaedic conditions from 2010 through the first quarter of 2020 (Q1.2020). Trends in PRP use, reimbursement charges, demographics, joints injected, and administering physicians were assessed over time and reported as year-over-year (YOY) changes.Results:Over the study period, 14,096 unique patients had 17,759 orthopaedic PRP injections. The number of PRP injections administered had a YOY increase of 7.1% (144 injections/year, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 89 to 199, P-trend = 0.0009). A YOY increase of 895% was observed in total nonsurgical charges ($683,974/yr, 95% CI 441,504 to 926,444, P-trend = 0.0009). The median age of PRP recipients increased (YOY change = +0.6 years, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.8, P-trend = 0.0005). Injections to the elbow (YOY change = -0.8%, 95% CI -0.10% to [-0.06%], P-trend = 0.005) and foot/ankle (YOY change = -1.0%, 95% CI -1.4% to [-0.06%], P-trend = 0.002) decreased, whereas hip (YOY change = +0.4%, 95% CI 0.2% to 0.6%, P-trend = 0.019), knee (YOY change = +0.9%, 95% CI 0.3% to 1.2%, P-trend = 0.016), and spine (YOY change = +0.2%, 95% CI 0.0% to 0.4%, P-trend = 0.033) injections increased. PRP injections given by sports medicine orthopaedic surgeons (YOY change = +0.8%, 95% CI 0.6% to 1.2%, P-trend <0.0001) increased over time, whereas those by general orthopaedic surgeons decreased (YOY change = -0.9, 95% CI -1.2 to [-0.6%], P-trend = 0.001).Conclusion:PRP injections quadrupled in prevalence from 2010 to Q1.2020, with a projected increase in annual usage in this data set of 66% by 2030. As greater evidence-based indications for PRP use are identified, more specialists and insurance providers may consider expanding their involvement in this growing field.

Automated summary

The usage of orthopaedic PRP injections has significantly increased over the past decade, with a rise in the number of injections, reimbursement charges, and the median age of recipients. Injections to the elbow and foot/ankle have decreased, while injections to the hip, knee, and spine have increased. PRP injections by sports medicine orthopaedic surgeons have increased, while those by general orthopaedic surgeons have decreased.