Extensive research is being undertaken for the betterment of QOL in knee osteoarthritis patients, out of which the results from one randomized controlled trial proved that Leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP) injections exhibit better clinical efficacy as compared to oral NSAIDs or HA injections among patients with knee osteoarthritis.

The incidence of people suffering from knee OA is quite high. Various approaches like intra-articular injections [hyaluronic acid (HA) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP)] or oral Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are used to counter this devastating disease.

A 52-week follow-up study results from all the three treatment approaches  PRP and NSAIDs/hyaluronic acid was made to elucidate radiographic evolution and clinical effectiveness among KOA patients. A total of 106 patients were selected and categorised as per the Spanish Rheumatology Society knee osteoarthritis diagnosis criteria. Thirty-Three patients of each PRP, hyaluronic and NSAID group have completed the trial. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Western Ontario McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) used to measure outcomes at baseline, 26 and 52 weeks. The MRI and X-ray were used at baseline and 52 weeks. The patients who received PRP showed 30% rate of response towards a 20% decrease in WOMAC pain scale and a 24% increase in physical function. The NSAID and HA group also showed an improvement in WOMAC pain and VAS scores. However, PRP exhibited better outcomes as compared to other groups (P < 0.05). No influence was seen on Kellgren–Lawrence or cartilage thickness progression. The findings reflect that PRP shows better efficacy with no impact on cartilage progression.