Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 65 and up

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.

More Knee Osteoarthritis trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment204 (estimated)
SponsorIstituto Ortopedico Rizzoli
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bologna)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 15, 2021
Main results expectedDecember 2028
Study endsDecember 2028
Registry record updatedAugust 3, 2025
Trial IDNCT04901273 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.