Comparing corticosteroid and platelet-rich plasma injections for knee osteoarthritis treatment

Corticosteroid vs Platelet-Rich Plasma Intra-articular Injections in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis in Patients Fifty Years and Older: a Look at Pain and Functional Outcomes at a Single Institution.

This study is testing whether corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma injections work better for improving knee function in people with osteoarthritis.

Quick facts

• Phase: EARLY_PHASE1
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 160 (estimated)
• Ages: 50 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: The University of The West Indies (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Kingston)
• Trial ID: NCT06032039 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of intra-articular injections of corticosteroid (triamcinolone) versus platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. It is a randomized controlled trial involving 160 patients recruited from the Orthopaedic clinic at the University Hospital of the West Indies. The primary aim is to assess which treatment leads to better functional outcomes as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), while also monitoring for any adverse reactions. The study will adhere to good clinical practice guidelines and will include a follow-up period of one year for each participant.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50 years and older with Kellgren and Lawrence grades 2-3 knee osteoarthritis.

Not a fit: Patients with secondary osteoarthritis, those with a history of knee joint fractures, or those successfully managed with oral medications and physiotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with more effective non-surgical treatment options for knee osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, but this specific comparison of corticosteroid and PRP injections is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Kellgren and Lawrence grades 2-3 Age 50 years and older

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with secondary OA:
2. History of Fractures around the knee joint i. patella ii. tibia plateau iii. intra articular distal femur
3. Bleeding diathesis
4. History of septic arthritis
5. Patients on oral steroid medications
6. Patients who received intraarticular steroid injection \< 6 months before enrollment
7. Sickle Cell Disease
8. Rheumatoid arthritis
9. Patients with a diagnosis of knee OA with little or no pain
10. Patient with a diagnosis of knee OA being successfully managed with oral medications and physiotherapy
11. Knee pain not attributed to a diagnosis of OA
12. All patients who refuse to participate

Where this trial is running

Kingston

• University Hospital of the West Indies — Kingston, Jamaica (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Wayne Palmer — Doctor
• Study coordinator: Principal Investigator

Conditions: Knee Osteoarthritis, Osteoarthritis, Knee, Corticosteroid, Platelet Rich Plasma