Clinical Efficacy of a Single Dose of Platelet Rich Plasma in the Management of Early Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Study with MRI Assessment and Evaluation of Optimal Dose

The study evaluated the efficacy of a single dose of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) in treating early knee osteoarthritis in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 100 participants. PRP, with an absolute count of approximately 100 billion platelets, showed significant therapeutic relief, as evidenced by reduced WOMAC scores from 54.7 to 28.8 at one month and improved IKDC and VAS scores. The pain-free walking distance also improved significantly. However, no changes were observed in MRI and joint space width. The study concluded that a PRP formulation with 7 times concentration and 100 billion platelets was effective in alleviating symptoms and provided better chondroprotective effects compared to placebo.