Efectividad de células madre y plasma rico en plaquetas en el tratamiento de artrosis: revisión sistemática

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative joint disease that poses a significant threat to health worldwide. Although current treatments focus on symptom relief, their effectiveness in repairing joint damage has been found to be limited. Several recent studies have shown that stem cells and plasma contribute to cartilage repair, as well as to anti-inflammatory modulation and immune regulation in patients with osteoarthritis. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of treatment with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and stem cells in patients with osteoarthritis in terms of pain, function, and quality of life. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted of articles published between 2020 and 2025 that were relevant to the research objective, based on the PRISMA guidelines, published in English or Spanish, and selected from the PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO databases. Results: The use of stem cells and PRP in osteoarthritis was associated with reduced pain, as assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), as well as improved function and stimulation of cartilage regeneration. These regenerative therapies, whether used individually or in combination, demonstrated superior benefits over conventional treatments, with a positive impact on patients’ quality of life. Conclusion: Regenerative therapies using stem cells and PRP reduce pain and improve function, representing a promising alternative for addressing the underlying pathology of osteoarthritis. Keywords: osteoarthritis, therapy, stem cells, plasma, quality of life