Efficacy of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma compared with placebo in knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
We have found a weak efficacy of PRP in knee osteoarthritis, up to 6months after intervention, so the clinical relevance of PRP use is debatable.
Study context
- Population
- Knee OA; 7 countries; 56% women; mean age 56.9 years
- Participants
- 1,616 participants11 randomized controlled studies (RCTs)
- Comparison
- Intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection vs intra-articular saline solution injection
- PRPn = 849
- Placebon = 767reference
- Outcome
- Efficacy on pain and function (visual analogue scale (VAS) and/or WOMAC)
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Pain (VAS) · 3 and 6 months
PRP vs PlaceboMD (95% CI)
3 months; high heterogeneity
−1.1(−1.8 to −0.4)
6 months; high heterogeneity
−2.0(−2.8 to −1.2)
Further pooled results
| Outcome | MD (95% CI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Function (total WOMAC variation) · 3 months | −12.9 (−20.5 to −5.3) | |
| −30−20−10010Difference (linear scale) |
Function (total WOMAC variation) · 3 months
- No efficacy shown at 6 and 12 months
Original publication
Efficacy of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma compared with placebo in knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Joint Bone Spine. Published 11 July 2025. doi:10.
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