Validation of a Low-cost Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)

In brief

Knee osteoarthritis is an extremely common and debilitating condition, more common in women, with an estimated global prevalence of 16%, and as high as 50% by the age of 80. Current management of knee osteoarthritis (OA) revolves around conservative treatments- biomechanical interventions, intra-articular injections, exercise, self-management and education, oral or topical medications, strength training, and weight management - or surgical management. For injection therapies, corticosteroids remain the standard of care; approximately 84% of sports medicine physicians perform these knee injections at least monthly, reporting a median range of 11-20 injections per month. Multiple detrimental effects of corticosteroid injections are well-known, including alterations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, blood glucose levels, bone turnover, inflammatory response, blood pressure, and psychologic well-being. Thus, alternative therapies are of the utmost importance. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is an injectable preparation of a patient's blood that can be used for numerous conditions and has received significant attention over the past several years for its potential application for the treatment of pain and functional impairment due to knee OA. Systematic reviews of randomized-controlled trials have demonstrated equivalent-to-superior treatment outcomes associated with the use of intra-articular PRP compared to placebo, hyaluronic acid, and corticosteroid. Furthermore, use of intra-articular PRP is associated with a very low rate of adverse events and is likely safer than injectable corticosteroids. Concerns that have limited a wider use of PRP include two main concerns - an uncertainty regarding the current evidence base due to study-related bias, heterogeneity, and lack of reporting standards; and second, more importantly, the main issue remains high cost.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT06184048
Run by: University of Utah
People needed: 20
Starts: 2023-09-15
Expected to finish: 2024-10-10
Last updated by the study team: 2025-11-17

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

Patients of any adult age with symptomatic Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) score 1-3 knee OA, based on radiographs within the last six months.
Patients must have failed at least six weeks of conventional conservative treatments (such as medication or physical therapy).
Patients with bilateral knee OA will only be eligible if both knees fit the criteria; each knee will count separately.

You may not qualify if…

Recent (last two years) knee surgery,
Prior orthobiologic injection(s) into the knee,
Known major axial deviation (over 30 degrees)
Known thrombocytopenia (platelets under 50,000), thrombocythemia (platelets over 1,000,000), known platelet disorder (ITP, TTP, or Lowe syndrome)
Active systemic infection requiring antibiotics, or local infection at the site of injection,
Non-ambulatory patients,
Patients seeking care with active litigation pending
Body mass index (BMI) over 40
Injection into the affected joint within the last six months
Oral steroids consumed within the last three months.

Where it is running

University of Utah Orthopedic Center — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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