The Telangana Medical Council (TMC) is investigating complaints about Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. Doctors have raised concerns that some healthcare providers are making false claims about the treatment’s effectiveness.
Seventy-five orthopaedic surgeons from hospitals like Osmania, Gandhi, and Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) have filed complaints. They argue that PRP therapy, despite being in use for years, has no scientific proof of regenerating cartilage. According to research, the treatment is no better than a placebo.
Doctors claim that a network of healthcare providers, including unqualified practitioners, is promoting PRP therapy as a cure for knee arthritis. These groups use celebrity endorsements to attract patients. However, medical experts say cartilage damage cannot be reversed, making such claims misleading.
The cost of PRP treatment varies between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 per injection. Some clinics charge up to Rs 3 lakh per procedure. One center reportedly claimed to have treated 65,000 patients, earning around Rs 2,000 crore.
Experts warn that knee arthritis is a progressive disease with no cure apart from proven medical treatments. Senior orthopaedic surgeon Dr. K. Sudhir Reddy pointed to clinical trials showing PRP therapy does not help cartilage regrow or heal joints.
Some clinics also mislead patients by using ultrasound scans to check cartilage damage. However, radiologists insist that only X-rays and MRIs can provide accurate joint assessments. Several patients have reported financial losses after undergoing PRP therapy without any improvement in their condition.
The Telangana Orthopaedic Surgeons Association (TOSA) has advised the public to seek treatments backed by scientific evidence. The TMC is reviewing the complaints and may take action against clinics involved in unethical practices.
