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Apple Google Office 365 Outlook Outlook.com Yahoo - Today’s Research Article: PRP significantly outperformed placebo in reducing knee osteoarthritis pain and improving joint function, with results lasting up to 6 months.
- Questions from the Field: Dr. DeMers shares exact PRP and protein concentrate volumes for various joints, optimizing outcomes while respecting joint tolerances.
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Today’s Research Article
Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Pain and Muscle Strength in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
Yung-Tsan Wu, MD, Kao-Chih Hsu, MD, Tsung-Ying Li, MD, Cheng-Kuang Chang, MD, and Liang-Cheng Chen, MD, MS
Summary:
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of a single intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection versus saline in 20 patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (OA), using each patient as their own control. PRP significantly outperformed saline in improving pain, stiffness, and physical function, as measured by the WOMAC index, with benefits evident as early as two weeks and sustained through six months. The PRP-treated knees showed greater improvements in total WOMAC scores, with notably better pain and stiffness reduction compared to the placebo side. Although both knees improved somewhat (possibly due to systemic or placebo effects), PRP consistently delivered superior clinical outcomes.
In terms of muscle strength, both PRP and placebo groups showed modest gains over time, but PRP demonstrated slightly better long-term improvement, especially in knee flexor strength at 6 months. However, the differences in isokinetic muscle strength between groups were not statistically significant. The authors emphasize that additional strength training should be considered alongside PRP to maximize functional recovery. No adverse effects were observed, affirming the safety of PRP in this context.
Doctor-to-Patient Talking Points on Why to Choose PRP (Based on the Study):
