Effect of Intra-articular Platelet-Rich Plasma vs Placebo Injection on Pain and Medial Tibial Cartilage Volume in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: The RESTORE Randomized Clinical Trial
Use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is increasing almost in every field of medicine. The "magic" properties are believed to decrease inflammation, restore cartilage, relief pain and much more. Nonetheless, most clinical guidelines do not recommend platelet-rich plasma due to the lack of high-quality evidence on efficacy for symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intra-articular PRP use in individuals with mild to moderate radiographic knee osteoarthritis. 288 patients were randomized into 2 groups: control with saline injection and experimental with PRP injection. There were no significant differences found at 12 months neither in primary outcomes (pain and cartilage volume), nor in secondary (31 pre-specified outcomes). Thus, this evidence-based research does not support use of PRP for the management of knee OA. Details by the link.