Treating Knee Osteoarthritis With Platelet-Rich Plasma and Hyaluronic Acid Combination Therapy: A Systematic Review.
Michael R Baria, W Kelton Vasileff, James Borchers...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33831332/Actively Recruiting
Led by University of Utah · Updated on 2026-05-06
10000
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
Researchers are evaluating the use of Platelet-Rich Plasma PRP injections for treating various musculoskeletal MSK conditions, including osteoarthritis OA in multiple joints, tendinopathies, and plantar fasciitis. The study aims to track changes in pain, function, and patient satisfaction over a one-year period after receiving PRP, helping to build a detailed registry of treated patients. PRP has gained attention as a treatment with potential benefits and lower risks compared to corticosteroids, which are commonly used for these conditions. Participants who qualify and agree to join will receive a PRP injection prepared from their own blood. This involves drawing blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets in the plasma, and then injecting this platelet-rich plasma into the affected area. The process keeps the blood sealed from air and uses specialized equipment for preparation. Follow-up surveys will be completed at multiple points 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after the injection. During the study, participants will undergo blood analysis to evaluate the PRP composition and complete various assessments measuring pain, function, and satisfaction. Outcome measures include the Visual Analog Score for pain, global satisfaction, and condition-specific tools such as the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index for knees and other joint outcome questionnaires. The study will monitor these measures over 12 months, with a primary focus on pain at 6 months, to assess the effects of PRP treatment on MSK conditions.
CONDITIONS
Platelet Rich Plasma for Musculoskeletal Conditions
C
Christina Geisler, MS
J
Jamie Egbert, MS
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University of Utah
Lead Sponsor
This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
| Factors | PRP Injection (Investigational, Single-Group Trial) | Corticosteroid Injection (Current Care Comparator) |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | A treatment in which a patient's own blood is processed to concentrate the platelets and plasma, then injected into the affected joint or site to promote tissue healing. | An established therapy in which corticosteroid medication is injected directly into the affected joint or soft tissue to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. |
| Role in this trial | Investigational therapy given to all enrolled participants to assess effects on pain and function in osteoarthritis and tendinopathy after failure of other treatments. | Not part of this trial but widely used outside the study as a guideline-recommended nonsurgical therapy for pain management in osteoarthritis and similar joint conditions. |
| Primary use | Intended to relieve pain and improve function in adults with osteoarthritis or other musculoskeletal conditions who did not benefit from conservative therapies. | Used to provide rapid pain relief and reduce joint or soft-tissue inflammation for a variety of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly osteoarthritis. |
| How is it given or performed? | A sample of the patient's own blood is drawn, processed in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets, and the resulting PRP is injected into the targeted joint or tissue under sterile conditions. | A single injection of corticosteroid medication is delivered directly into the affected joint or area using a sterile technique, often under imaging guidance. |
| What is the published evidence? | Multiple meta-analyses and systematic reviews report that PRP injections may provide moderate benefit for pain and function in knee osteoarthritis and some other musculoskeletal conditions compared to placebo or hyaluronic acid, but evidence quality and results vary across studies. | Corticosteroid injections are supported by guidelines for short-term pain relief in osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases; benefits may decrease over a few months and repeated injections can have diminishing returns or safety concerns. |
| Important limitations | No universally accepted protocol for PRP preparation; clinical effects may vary by formulation and patient factors. Evidence is strongest for knee osteoarthritis, with fewer robust studies in other joints and conditions. Long-term effectiveness is still being investigated. | Benefits are typically short-lived (weeks to months), and repeated injections may increase risk of cartilage damage, infection, or systemic effects. Some guidelines recommend limiting frequency and total number of injections per joint. |
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
You may qualify if you...
You will not qualify if you...
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single treatment visit
Participants receive a Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection prepared from their own blood to treat their musculoskeletal condition.
1 visit (in-person) for blood collection and PRP injection
Duration - 12 months
Participants complete follow-up surveys to assess pain, function, and satisfaction after the PRP injection.
Surveys at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months (remote or in-person)
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36532150/University of Utah
Lead Sponsor