PRP Linked to Better Outcomes in Advanced Knee OA

In a small open-label randomized trial, 2 platelet-rich plasma injections were associated with greater 6-month improvements in pain and function than corticosteroid injection or oral aceclofenac among patients awaiting knee arthroplasty.

By
Andrea Surnit
June 22, 2026
6 min

Conexiant

Overview

Intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections resulted in significant pain reduction and functional improvement over 6 months compared to corticosteroid injections and oral NSAIDs in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis. The study involved 90 patients awaiting knee replacement and assessed various clinical and biomarker outcomes.

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition leading to pain and disability in adults, with millions affected globally. Traditional treatments, including corticosteroids and NSAIDs, provide limited relief.

Data Highlights

Group	Baseline Pain Score	3-Month Pain Score	6-Month Pain Score
PRP	~6	~3	~4
Corticosteroid	~6	~6	~6
NSAID	~6	~6	~6

Key Findings

PRP group showed significant pain score improvement at 3 and 6 months compared to corticosteroid and NSAID groups.
Mean WOMAC total scores improved significantly in the PRP group from 49 at baseline to 28 at 3 months and 33 at 6 months.
Rescue opioid use was lower in the PRP group at 3 months compared to both comparator groups.
PRP was associated with lower levels of several inflammatory biomarkers compared to corticosteroids and NSAIDs.
No patients in the PRP group withdrew from the study, while some in the other groups did due to insufficient pain control.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that PRP may offer a more effective treatment option for pain management and functional improvement in patients with advanced knee OA compared to corticosteroids and NSAIDs. Clinicians should consider the potential benefits of PRP in this patient population.