The Combination Effect of Platelet-rich Plasma and Hyaluronic Acid for Knee Osteoarthritis

The Combination Long-term Effect of Platelet-rich Plasma and Hyaluronic Acid in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: a Prospective Randomized Double-blind Controlled Trial

Although platelet rich plasma (PRP) and Hyaluronic acid (HA) are beneficial for osteoarthritis of knee (OA knee), the combined effect of PRP with HA was not clear so far. Hence, investigator assess a prospective randomized double-blind controlled trial.

Patients with single or bilateral OA knee will be enrolled and randomized into intervention and control group. One dose of PRP is applied into both groups. One week later, one dose of HA is injected in intervention group and one dose of normal saline is injected in control group. Outcome measurements included visual analog scale (VAS)、Lequesne's severity index、Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)、balance test (Biodex) and analysis of synovial fluid at different follow-up frame (1st month, 3rd month, 6th month and 1 year after treatment).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age between 50 to 75 y/o.
2. Alert consciousness
3. Symptom of knee osteoarthritis persist at least 6 months and stage I to III scored by Ahlbäck grading system
4. The pain score measured by VAS at least 4 points

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Has received hyaluronic acid, PRP or steroid injection within 6 months
2. Has received NSAIDs or steroid within one week
3. Tumor or metastasis surrounding the knee joint
4. Has received total knee replacement, major surgery in knee, rheumatoid arthritis
5. Patient who cant tolerance the balance test.
6. Thrombocytopenia or coagulopathy