Treatment with platelet-rich plasma is more effective than placebo for knee osteoarthritis: a prospective, double-blind, randomized trial

Patel S, Dhillon MS, Aggarwal S, et al. · The American Journal of Sports Medicine

Both PRP groups improved significantly on all WOMAC parameters vs saline (P<.001); one injection was as effective as two. Benefit deteriorated after 6 months.

Population

78 patients (156 knees) with early bilateral knee OA (Ahlback grade 1-2)

Intervention

Single WBC-filtered PRP injection (~10x platelet concentration) or two injections 3 weeks apart

Comparator

Single saline injection

Limitations

Single center, short 6-month follow-up, bilateral-knee design complicates independence of observations.