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

At a Glance

Category	Detail
Condition	Advanced Knee Osteoarthritis
Key Mechanisms	Intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injections
Target Population	Patients aged 40 to 80 years with symptomatic Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or 4 knee osteoarthritis awaiting knee replacement
Care Setting	Orthopaedic Surgery

Key Highlights

Two PRP injections resulted in greater pain reduction and functional improvement over 6 months compared to corticosteroid injection and oral NSAID therapy.
Mean visual analogue scale pain scores improved significantly in the PRP group.
Significant improvements in WOMAC scores were observed only in the PRP group.
Lower rescue opioid use was noted in the PRP group at 3 months compared to both comparator groups.
Adverse events were mild and transient across all treatment groups.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

Assess symptomatic knee osteoarthritis using Kellgren-Lawrence grading.

Management

Consider intra-articular PRP injections for patients awaiting knee replacement.

Monitoring & Follow-up

Monitor pain scores and functional outcomes using validated scales like VAS and WOMAC.

Risks

Be cautious of potential treatment failures and the need for knee replacement due to insufficient pain control.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis awaiting knee replacement.

PRP may provide better outcomes compared to corticosteroids and NSAIDs in terms of pain and function.

Clinical Best Practices

Utilize validated assessment tools for pain and function.
Consider patient-specific factors when selecting treatment options.
Be aware of the limitations of current evidence and the need for further research.