Treatment of Knee Arthrosis With Platelet-derived Growth Factors vs. Hyaluronic Acid.

Treatment of Knee Arthrosis: Platelet-derived Growth Factors vs. Hyaluronic Acid. A Phase II-III Randomized Controlled Trial

Primary aim of this trial was to assess efficacy three intraarticular injections of platelet lysate when compared to hyaluronic acid. Additional objectives were to compare the treatment groups in terms of a number of functional scales and of number of adverse events.

Intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid are effective in improving symptoms and slow disease progression, but are not able to revert the damage mechanism and trigger cartilage healing.

Growth factors included in PRP could stimulate cartilage repair, normalize synovial fluid viscoelasticity, induce a correction in tissue damage, improve articular function, control pain and ameliorate quality of life.

Primary aim of this trial was to assess, among patients with grade II/III osteoarthrosis of the knee, efficacy (as determined by improvement at MRI 6 months after the first injection) of three intraarticular injections of platelet lysate when compared to hyaluronic acid. Additional objectives were to compare the treatment groups in terms of a number of functional scales (WOMAC, Lysholm, Tegner Knee, Scale, AKS, Lequesne, VAS) and of number of adverse events.

Inclusion Criteria:

• grade II/III OA of the knee demonstrated at MRI17,18, according to Shahriaree Classification System - modified
• no previous OA treatment with local hyaluronic acid or steroid injections
• ife expectancy >1 year
• no ongoing pregnancy
• ability to understand and complete clinical and functional scales Lysholm, WOMAC, AKS, VAS
• written consent.