PRP for Ankle OA: Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence
Ding SL · International Orthopaedics (2023)
DOI: 10.1007/s00264-023-05823-1This systematic review and meta-analysis pooled available evidence on PRP for ankle osteoarthritis, including one RCT and four before-after studies with 184 ankle OA cases. PRP significantly reduced pain and improved function at 12 weeks in pooled analyses. However, the authors noted that the magnitude of improvement was similar to placebo effects observed in the only available RCT.
Clinical Relevance
While PRP appears to improve ankle OA symptoms, the level of evidence is low and the improvements may not exceed placebo effects. Clinicians should counsel patients that ankle OA PRP evidence is far behind knee OA evidence.
Key Takeaways
- PRP reduced VAS by 2.80 points at 12 weeks (p<0.001)
- Functional scores improved significantly (SMD 1.73, p<0.001)
- Only 1 RCT available; 4 before-after studies
- Improvement magnitude similar to placebo effect from the RCT
- Evidence graded as Level IV (limited)
- Mean patient age 50.8-59.3 years
- Large-scale RCTs urgently needed for ankle OA
Key Findings
184 ankles, 132 PRP-treated. PRP significantly reduced VAS at 12 weeks (pooled USMD -2.80, p<0.001) and improved functional scores (pooled SMD 1.73, p<0.001). Improvement magnitude similar to placebo effects from single available RCT. Evidence limited (Level IV).
Clinical Context
Study Design
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Condition
Ankle Osteoarthritis
Sample Size
184 patients
Control Group
Before-after (mostly)
Primary Outcome
VAS, AOFAS
PRP Protocol & Intervention
Preparation System
Various