Intraarticular leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma injection is more effective than intraarticular hyaluronic acid injection in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials.

Objective: We aim to compare the clinical effects of intraarticular leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP) injection with those of intraarticular hyaluronic acid (HA) injection in adult patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods: Two authors independently reviewed databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in our meta-analysis. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores (WOMAC total, pain, stiffness, and physical function scores), visual analog scale (VAS) scores, EQ-VAS scores, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, and adverse events were used as outcome measurements to evaluate the efficacy of LP-PRP and HA treatment.

Results: After screening 377 potential articles, 12 RCTs were included in this systemic review and meta-analysis. The WOMAC total scores and WOMAC physical function scores of the LP-PRP group were better than those of the HA group at 6 and 12 months. VAS scores of the LP-PRP group were better than those of the HA group at 3, 6, and 12 months. The LP-PRP group showed a better outcome of IKDC scores than the HA group at 6 months. There was no significant difference in adverse events between the LP-PRP and HA groups.

Conclusions: Intraarticular injections of LP-PRP showed better overall outcomes, such as WOMAC total scores, WOMAC physical function scores, VAS scores, and IKDC scores, compared with HA for adult patients with knee osteoarthritis at 6- and 12-month follow-up periods. Also, LP-PRP showed better pain relief compared with HA at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up periods. Intraarticular LP-PRP improves pain relief and overall outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis.