Highlights
- Today’s Research Article: PRP proves its power—lasting relief for knees, even 7 years later.
- Questions from the Field: When PRP isn't enough, protein concentrate might be the missing link.
- Let’s Get Down to Business: The right mentor can transform your clinic—and your confidence.
- Come Join Us: Level up your skills and strategy—join us live in Las Vegas this July and August.
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Today’s Research Article
Assessment of the effectiveness and satisfaction of platelet-rich plasma compared with hyaluronic acid in knee osteoarthritis at minimum 7-year follow-up: A post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Zhengming Wang, Rui Wang, Sicheng Xiang, Yong Gu, Ting Xu, Hengkai Jin, Xinbo Gu, Peijian Tong, Hongsheng Zhan and Shuaijie Lv
Summary:
This randomized controlled trial followed 100 knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients for nearly 7 years to compare the long-term effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) vs. hyaluronic acid (HA) injections. Patients received three weekly injections and were evaluated for pain (VAS), function (WOMAC), imaging, re-interventions, and satisfaction. PRP significantly outperformed HA in pain reduction, functional outcomes, and patient satisfaction, with a 90% knee survival rate compared to 74% in the HA group. PRP-treated patients had fewer re-interventions and were more satisfied (78.6% vs. 55.8%).
Although no significant differences were found in imaging (Kellgren-Lawrence grades and cartilage scores), regression analysis confirmed PRP’s superior effect on both pain and function, independent of age and disease severity. There were no major complications. The study supports PRP as a more effective mid- to long-term conservative treatment for KOA than HA, though further large-scale studies are encouraged.
Doctor-to-Patient Talking Points on Why to Choose PRP (Based on the Study):
