Comparing Intra-Articular Injections of Hyaluronic Acid versus Platelet Rich Plasma for Osteoarthritis Knee Pain

Author

Dawn G. Wong, University of the PacificFollow

Date of Award

4-1-2019

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Department

Physician Assistant Education

First Advisor

Rahnea Sunseri

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of intra-articular (IA) injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) viscosupplementation to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for degenerative osteoarthritis (OA) knee pain and function

Methods: A review of current high-level evidence research articles on the subject matter

Results: PRP is more effective than HA injections for mild knee OA, but there are no significant differences between PRP and HA in effectiveness for more advanced knee OA. Combination therapy of HA and PRP is superior to PRP or HA alone. Multiple PRP injections also improve pain and function in comparison to multiple HA injections or single PRP injections.

Conclusion: The existing clinical studies show promising data that PRP is a more effective treatment for early knee OA in comparison to HA, but further studies need to be performed for more conclusive results.

Recommended Citation

Wong, Dawn G., "Comparing Intra-Articular Injections of Hyaluronic Acid versus Platelet Rich Plasma for Osteoarthritis Knee Pain" (2019). Physician Assistant Capstones. 44.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/pa-capstones/44