PRP Linked to Better Outcomes in Advanced Knee OA - Summary - MDSpire
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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

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Objective:

To compare the effectiveness of two intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections with a single corticosteroid injection and oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis awaiting knee replacement.

Approach:
    Key Findings:
    • PRP group showed significant reductions in pain scores from about 6 at baseline to about 3 at 3 months (p < 0.001) and about 4 at 6 months (p < 0.01).
    • WOMAC total scores improved significantly in the PRP group from 49 at baseline to 28 at 3 months (p < 0.001) and 33 at 6 months (p < 0.01).
    • Rescue opioid use was lower in the PRP group at 3 months compared to both comparator groups (p < 0.05).
    • Biomarker analysis indicated lower levels of several inflammatory markers in the PRP group compared to corticosteroid and NSAID groups (p < 0.05).
    Interpretation:

    The findings suggest that PRP may provide better pain relief and functional improvement compared to corticosteroid injections and NSAID therapy in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis.

    Limitations:
    • No placebo or sham-injection group was included, limiting the ability to assess the efficacy of PRP against an inert control.
    • The study design and open-label conditions may introduce bias.
    • The small sample size and short follow-up period limit generalizability.
    Conclusion:

    Further research with larger, longer-duration randomized trials is needed to confirm these findings and address the limitations of the current study.

    Sources:

Original Source(s)

PRP Linked to Better Outcomes in Advanced Knee OA

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • June 22, 2026

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