Do Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis Work?

Abstract

Background: Recent evidence suggests a benefit in platelet-rich plasma injections (PRP) for the knee in the management of mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA). There is a reported reduction in pain, stiffness, and improved function. However, there is very little level-one literature available that supports this practice and conclusively proves a benefit gained throughout the course. Three main randomized control trials (RCTs) conducted in North America are often referenced and cited to prove their efficacy. This study aimed to look at the outcomes of patients having undergone this treatment to determine if there was any benefit. Aims: This study aimed to determine if PRP injections administered in patients with knee OA over a six to eight-week time period demonstrated any benefit. Methods: The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities arthritis index (WOMAC) tool was used before each of the three PRP injections over the six to eight-week period, and six weeks after the final injection in 31 patients. Each injection was given spaced two to three weeks apart. The outcomes observed were pain, stiffness, and physical function, and the total WOMAC score was calculated. Results: The third injection showed a reduction in total WOMAC score, pain, stiffness, and physical function by 16.36%, 16.37%, 5.12%, and 18.03%, respectively. However, all scores returned close to baseline at the sixth-week follow-up post treatment. Conclusion: Results showed a trend of reduction in the WOMAC score. However, they are overall indicative of a placebo effect from the injections. Further studies are needed to explore whether the grade of OA and patients’ weight have a significant impact on the results.

Platelet lysate for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies

“…Bansal et al found that a concentration of 10 billion platelet was necessary for any chondroprotective effects to be visible at the 1-year mark [12]. Research has shown that PRP trials are prone to the placebo effect as mild OA cases tend to see significant improvement in pain scores that are not as evident in moderate-to-severe cases of OA [36]. On the other hand, this may simply suggest that PRP therapy is more effective at earlier stages of OA and that any regenerative abilities decrease with disease progression.…”

Assessment of the Quality and Readability of Information Provided by ChatGPT in Relation to the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Osteoarthritis

“…Overall, 13 (56%) responses given by ChatGPT version 4 provided resources available for patient review, with some sources cited in multiple responses. Of the resources cited, 7 (53%) were direct links to PubMed ® indexed studies, comprising of one randomized control trial (RCT), one retrospective study, three literature reviews, and two meta-analyses [23][24][25][26][27][28][29]. The remaining sources cited by ChatGPT consisted of a link to patient education material generated by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), one private website dedicated to patient education with physician-written, peer-reviewed articles, as well as four websites by privately run US-based orthopedic practices [30][31][32][33][34][35].…”

Cartilage: Structure, Function, and the Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis

“…Scientific studies have shown that PRP's application can lead to improvements in cartilage repair and pain reduction. While its efficacy can vary based on factors such as the severity of the cartilage damage and the patient's overall health, PRP offers a minimally invasive approach to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms and support the restoration of cartilage tissue [74][75][76].…”