PRP use in cartilage disease (arthritis)

In a randomized, controlled trial , Level of Evidence 1(best), Patel, et al, (reference 1), divided patients into 3 groups:

• Group A-52 Osteoarthritis (OA) knees, single Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection
• Group B: 50 OA knees, 2 injections
• Group C- 46 OA knees, single saline placebo (control) injection.

All PRP was White Blood Cell (WBC)-poor PLT count 300% of whole blood values.  Results: All WOMAC (knee pain rating scale) parameters improved significantly in Group A, B within 2-3 weeks, lasting to 6 months follow-up. Lesser grades of arthritis did better, and 22% of Group A patients had mild complications (nausea, dizziness), while 44% of Group B had mild complications.

Conclusion: Both groups treated with a leukocyte-poor Platelet-Rich Plasma (LR-PRP) had significantly superior results compared to control (placebo) patients.  Results declined after 6 months.  Single dose as effective as two injections.

Patel,et al,Treatment with platelet-rich plasma is more effective than placebo for knee osteoarthritis: A prospective, randomized, double-blind trial.  Am J Sports Med 2013; 41 (2): 356-364.

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John Urse, DO

John Urse, DO, FAOAO is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon with specialized training in orthobiologics, i.e. using the patient’s own cells forhealing and anti-inflammatory effects. He is the senior and founding physician for Orthopedic Association of SW Ohio, with 29 years of practice in Dayton, Ohio.

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