Knee Osteoarthritis Injection Choices: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Versus Hyaluronic Acid (A One-Year Randomized Clinical Trial)
Raeissadat SA · Clinical Medicine Insights: Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders (2015)
DOI: 10.4137/CMAMD.S17894This non-blinded RCT compared PRP versus hyaluronic acid in 160 patients with knee OA across all KL grades (1 through 4). PRP was administered as two injections four weeks apart, while HA received three weekly injections. At 12 months, PRP demonstrated significantly superior outcomes on WOMAC subscales for pain, stiffness, and physical function compared to HA.
Clinical Relevance
Supports PRP over HA for knee OA with a relatively simple two-injection protocol. The inclusion of advanced OA (KL 4) broadens applicability, though most studies show better results in earlier grades.
Key Takeaways
- PRP significantly superior to HA at 12 months on all WOMAC subscales (p<0.001)
- Large sample size (n=160) adds power
- Included all KL grades (1 through 4), broader population than most studies
- Two PRP injections (rather than three) still effective
- Non-blinded design is a limitation
Key Findings
At 12 months, WOMAC pain and SF-36 bodily pain improved significantly more in the PRP group compared to HA (p<0.001).
Clinical Context
Study Design
Randomized Clinical Trial
Condition
Knee Osteoarthritis (KL Grade 1-4)
Sample Size
160 patients
Follow-up
12 months
Control Group
Hyaluronic Acid
Primary Outcome
WOMAC and SF-36
PRP Protocol & Intervention
Injection Frequency
2 injection(s)
Injection Interval
4-week interval