Effectiveness of Platelet-rich Plasma Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

September 14, 2026 updated by: Pablo Schierloh, Universidad Nacional de Entre Rios

Efectividad Del Plasma Rico en Plaquetas (PRP) Para la disminución Objetiva Del Dolor y la recuperación Funcional Del Miembro Inferior en Osteoartritis de Rodilla. Evaluación de Alternativas metodológicas

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease that affects the joints of the body, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. To treat knee OA, a therapy called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used, which involves making a concentrated substance from the patient's own blood and injecting it into the joint. It has been shown that this therapy is effective in reducing pain; however, more research is needed to optimize the preparation and identify which patients are more receptive to the treatment. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate two modalities of PRP application and determine whether these treatments result in better pain reduction and improved functionality. The secondary objective is to explore the association between changes in LEFS questionnaire scores and/or maximal quadriceps isometric strength and possible clinical improvement.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Completed

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
111

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Phase 2

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Contact Backup

Study Locations

  • Argentina
    • Entre Ríos Province
      • Oro Verde, Entre Ríos Province, Argentina, 3100
        • Institute for Research and Development in Bioengineering and Bioinformatics (IBB-CONICET-UNER)

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Radiological diagnosis of knee OA
  • Age over 35 years old
  • WOMAC value of 24 or higher at the time of recruitment

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Patients with knee prosthesis, rheumatoid arthritis, contralateral lower limb amputation, any type of blood dyscrasia, hypofibrinogenemia, depot pool syndrome, or any other form of thrombocytopathy or chronic leukocytosis will be excluded from the study.
  • Patients with anticoagulant or acute coagulopathies, as well as carriers of any infectious disease or superficial infection at the puncture site, will be temporarily excluded from the study until their clinical recovery is confirmed by laboratory testing.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Double

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: PRP-1
Platelet-rich plasma, short treatment (three sessions every two weeks)
Biological: Platelet-Rich Plasma
The PRP will be prepared using a single centrifugation process. Approximately 30 ml of peripheral blood will be drawn and collected into a vacutainer tubes with sodium citrate anticoagulant 0.129 mol/l (3.8%). The tubes will then be centrifuged at 900 RPM for 12 minutes at room temperature in a benchtop centrifuge. We will separate the lower third of the plasma fraction from all tubes with a syringe and needle, taking care to avoid the leukocyte layer. The PRP will be refrigerated at 4°C for no less than 1 hour. We will not use any exogenous factors to stimulate the platelet activation process. The periauricular skin surface will be disinfected with a povidone iodine solution, and an intra-articular local anesthetic with 1% lidocaine will be applied. A 21-gauge needle will be placed at the point of application. Finally, PRP will be injected into the joint, and the needle will be removed.
Active Comparator: PRP-2
Platelet-rich plasma, long treatment (three sessions every four weeks)
Biological: Platelet-Rich Plasma
The PRP will be prepared using a single centrifugation process. Approximately 30 ml of peripheral blood will be drawn and collected into a vacutainer tubes with sodium citrate anticoagulant 0.129 mol/l (3.8%). The tubes will then be centrifuged at 900 RPM for 12 minutes at room temperature in a benchtop centrifuge. We will separate the lower third of the plasma fraction from all tubes with a syringe and needle, taking care to avoid the leukocyte layer. The PRP will be refrigerated at 4°C for no less than 1 hour. We will not use any exogenous factors to stimulate the platelet activation process. The periauricular skin surface will be disinfected with a povidone iodine solution, and an intra-articular local anesthetic with 1% lidocaine will be applied. A 21-gauge needle will be placed at the point of application. Finally, PRP will be injected into the joint, and the needle will be removed.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Ostearthritis Index
Time Frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 24 weeks, 48 weeks.
The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire assesses the symptoms and physical disability of individuals with OA. The WOMAC consists of multiple-choice questions, and the responses are scored from zero to four. The final score is calculated between 0 and 96, where higher scores correspond to greater pain, stiffness, and lower functionality, indicating worsening symptoms.
Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 24 weeks, 48 weeks.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change in the the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) Index
Time Frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 24 weeks, 48 weeks.
The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) questionnaire is a self-administered questionnaire assessing functional status in patients with various lower limb musculoskeletal conditions, including OA. It consists of 20 items, each scored on a 5-point scale. The maximum possible score is 80, indicating the best functional level.
Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 24 weeks, 48 weeks.
Change in Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC) strength of the quadriceps
Time Frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 24 weeks, 48 weeks.
MVIC (maximum voluntary isometric contraction) strength of the quadriceps will be assessed using an instrumented load cell, which measures in kilograms. Objective and reliable assessment of muscle strength is well-supported for monitoring disease progression and evaluating therapeutic interventions. The test will involve asking the patient to extend the knee with maximum possible force for 3 seconds, ensuring that the hip and knee are at 90 degrees. Three repetitions will be performed with 2-minute rests.
Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 24 weeks, 48 weeks.
Centre of pressure (COP) on the plantar surface of the foot
Time Frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 24 weeks, 48 weeks.
The measurement of plantar pressure pattern and COP will be performed using a foot-X AR-1 pressure platform. The patient will be positioned upright or anatomically on the platform for a period of time during which the application will record the pressure values. The measurement will be bipedal (both feet on the platform), so both an integral COP of both feet and an individual COP of each foot will be obtained.
Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 24 weeks, 48 weeks.
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test
Time Frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 24 weeks, 48 weeks.
The FTSTS and TUG tests are reliable and validated clinical tools that are used as predictors of health problems or disability. The first one consists of the time it takes to sit and stand five times in a row. The second one is similar, but adds a walk at a certain distance.
Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 24 weeks, 48 weeks.
Five Times Sit to Stand (FTSTS) Test
Time Frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 24 weeks, 48 weeks.
The FTSTS and TUG tests are reliable and validated clinical tools that are used as predictors of health problems or disability. The first one consists of the time it takes to sit and stand five times in a row. The second one is similar, but adds a walk at a certain distance.
Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 24 weeks, 48 weeks.

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Universidad Nacional de Entre Rios

Collaborators

Collaborators

An organization other than the sponsor that provides support for a clinical study. This support may include activities related to funding, design, implementation, data analysis, or reporting.
National Council of Scientific and Technical Research, Argentina

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Principal Investigator: Luis P Schierloh, Doctor, National Council of Scientific and Technical Research, Argentina

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
May 1, 2024

Primary Completion (Actual)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
August 20, 2026

Study Completion (Actual)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
September 10, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
March 28, 2023

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
April 10, 2023

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
April 24, 2023

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
September 15, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
September 14, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
September 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • PRP-BXD1
  • IS004027 (Other Identifier: RENIS)

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

YES

IPD Plan Description

Individual participant data (IPD) underlying the results reported in this study will be shared after de-identification. The dataset will include demographic variables (e.g., age, sex), clinical baseline characteristics, intervention details related to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation and administration, and outcome measures assessing pain and functional recovery (e.g., validated clinical scores). No personally identifiable information will be included.

IPD Sharing Time Frame

Data will be available beginning 6 months after publication of the primary results and will remain available for a period of 5 years.

IPD Sharing Access Criteria

Access to the data will be provided to qualified researchers who submit a methodologically sound research proposal. Requests will be reviewed by the study investigators. Data will be shared upon approval of the proposal and after execution of a data use agreement. The data will be used exclusively for scientific and non-commercial purposes, ensuring compliance with ethical standards and participant confidentiality.

IPD Sharing Supporting Information Type

  • STUDY_PROTOCOL
  • SAP
  • ICF
  • ANALYTIC_CODE

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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