Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy shows promise for knee osteoarthritis

WASHINGTON - A new American study has positioned Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) as a viable means in managing knee osteoarthritis.

The research, authored by Steven Sampson of the Orthohealing Center in Los Angeles, details the account of 14 patients with primary and secondary knee osteoarthritis receiving three platelet-rich plasma injections in the affected knee at 4-week intervals with one year follow up.

It demonstrated significant and almost linear improvements in pain and function with majority of the patients expressing favorable outcomes at 12-months after the PRP treatment.

“PRP is no longer a treatment that only benefits high-profile athletes. The positive effects of this therapy are quickly spreading into many areas of mainstream medicine. This pilot study sets the foundation for a large multi-center clinical trial to further demonstrate if PRP is safe and effective for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis,” said Sampson.

“We are facing an epidemic with patients suffering from arthritis at earlier ages. Unfortunately most conservative options are limited and address the symptoms of inflammation, rather than address the biochemical process of the disease,” he added.

PRP is a non-surgical healing treatment used in many fields including plastic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and dentistry.

Platelets are known to release powerful healing proteins called ‘growth factors’ that coordinate repair and regeneration of soft tissue.

Using cutting edge technology, doctors are able to guide the platelets within a millimeter of the target site for maximal benefit. Based on current research, soft tissue injuries are the most responsive to PRP.he implications from this study invite the need for a large-scale research effort to further position PRP as a strong candidate in managing osteoarthritis.

The study is published in the American Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation (AJPMR). (ANI)