Comparing PRP injections to placebo for knee osteoarthritis in older adults
Official title: Homologous PRP Versus Placebo in the Infiltrative Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis in Over 65 Years Old Patients.
Run by Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli · NCT04901273 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a single injection of platelet-rich plasma can help older adults with knee osteoarthritis feel better compared to a placebo.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 204 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bologna) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 15, 2021 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 3, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04901273 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals over 65 years old with unilateral knee osteoarthritis and radiographic evidence of degenerative changes.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with recent knee surgery, malignancies, rheumatic diseases, diabetes, or other specified health conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a single injection of Homologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) compared to a placebo (saline solution) in treating knee osteoarthritis in patients over 65 years old. A total of 204 participants will be enrolled in a double-blinded randomized controlled trial, with clinical evaluations conducted at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. Patients in the placebo group will have the option to cross-over to the treatment group after 6 months, allowing for an extended follow-up period of up to 12 months for those receiving PRP. The study will assess both subjective and objective outcomes, including inflammatory status through thermographic assessment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide significant pain relief and improved function for older patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with PRP injections for knee osteoarthritis, suggesting potential efficacy for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Unilateral involvement; 2. Signs and symptoms of degenerative pathology of the knee cartilage; 3. Radiographic or MRI signs of degenerative pathology of the knee cartilage (Kellgren-Lawrence 1-4 grades); 4. Ability and consent of patients to actively participate in clinical follow-up; 5. Signature of informed consent Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients undergoing knee surgery within the previous 12 months; 2. Patients with malignant neoplasms; 3. Patients with rheumatic diseases; 4. Patients with diabetes; 5. Patients with hematologic diseases (coagulopathies); 6. Patients with metabolic disorders of the thyroid gland; 7. Patients abusing alcoholic beverages, drugs or medications 8. Body Mass Index \> 35
Where it's running
-
Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli
Bologna, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alessandro Di Martino, MD — Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli
- Study coordinator: Roberta Licciardi, Msc
- Email: roberta.licciardi@ior.it
- Phone: 0516366567
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.