Download

Download Full Text (1.1 MB)

Description

Background Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have gained popularity in orthopaedics and sports medicine despite inconsistent evidence and varied funding patterns. This study investigated the relationship between industry funding and academic influence in PRP injection research. Methods PRP injection literature published between 2005 and 2025 in Q1 peer-reviewed journals, as ranked by Scopus. Of 1,441 screened studies, 81 met inclusion criteria. Industry funding was analyzed by linking authors to the Open Payments Database (OPD) through their national provider identifier. A co-authorship network analysis mapped patterns of collaboration, highlighting central contributors in the field. Results Randomized controlled trials represented the largest study type (38.3%). From 2017 to 2024, total industry funding to PRP authors was $36.1 million, with significantly more general payments than research payments (p < 0.05). Funding was not significantly correlated with publication count (r = 0.368, p = 0.40). No association was found between funding type and study outcome for either general (p = 0.482) or research (p = 0.481) payments. The co-authorship network included 621 unique authors; the top 10% accounted for over 40% of bridging activity. Conclusion Industry funding in PRP injection research is directed toward general payments, suggesting a greater emphasis on marketing and professional relationships than on rigorous scientific investigation. Academic influence is concentrated within a small cohort of highly connected authors, amplifying their role in shaping the field. These findings highlight the need for stronger transparency standards to ensure evidence-based progress in PRP research.

Publisher Location

Las Vegas (Nev.)

Publication Date

Spring 4-17-2026

Publisher

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Keywords

Platelet-rich plasma; Industry funding; Conflict of interest; Co-authorship network; Sports medicine

Disciplines

Medical Specialties | Orthopedics | Sports Medicine

File Format

PDF

File Size

1040 KB

Comments

Mentor: Karen Nelson

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Academic Influence and Industry Funding in Platelet Rich Plasma Injections: Co-authorship Network Analysis


Share

COinS