Welcome to the Regenerative Research Roundup, where we look through recently published research and bring you the best of the best in a quick-to-read digest.
This month, we are spotlighting PRP and Hyaluronic Acid. This includes a number of studies and narrative reviews from this month prior that focused on these products in combination and in head-to-head outcomes based studies.
Let's dive in!
Comparing Intra-articular Platelet-Rich Plasma With Hyaluronic Acid for the Treatment of Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis
Cureus // LOE: IV
Hip osteoarthritis is a common and debilitating condition that's treatment is often challenged by the small joint space that limits amount of volume clinicians can place into the affected joint. Both PRP and HA have shown some promise in treating this condition, but results are still variable at best.
Therefore, the objective of this review was to assess the efficacy of PRP versus HA in terms of pain relief and functional outcomes for the management of HOA.
Results found that PRP demonstrates a relatively greater effectiveness in relieving symptoms of HOA, particularly during the mid-term phase of a 12-month follow-up period. After six months of treatment, PRP exhibits notable improvements in pain reduction, surpassing the outcomes observed with HA treatment. However, early results (1-2 month follow up) showed no differences.
Generally, PRP performs better when higher concentrations are achieved which increases total dose of the product while addressing the volume constraints imposed by the joint space.
ACCESS HERE: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.47919
Navigating the treatment landscape: Choosing between platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) for knee osteoarthritis management – A narrative review
Journal of Orthopaedic Reports
In this narrative review, authors tackle the treatment paradigm that exists between PRP and HA - specifically within the KOA space.
Based on the studies cited, authors state that PRP injections into joints has always surpassed HA injection in treating knee osteoarthritis. PRP injections have shown advantages such as pain relief, enhanced function, thereby providing an appealing option for knee osteoarthritis patients' treatment.
Regarding the possible benefits of combining PRP with HA, there is, however, still conflicting data for treating knee osteoarthritis. While more research is required, authors do cite various studies where improvements were made over using either intervention alone.
ACCESS HERE: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jorep.2023.100248
The Synergistic Effects of Hyaluronic Acid and Platelet-Rich Plasma for Patellar Chondropathy
Preprint
Keeping with our theme for this months research, this is a pre-print of a journal article that focuses on the synergistic effects of combining HA with PRP for treating Patellar Chondropathy (PC) - also known as "runner's knee".
Authors focus on basic science concepts, product variations, and clinical strategies. This comprehensive examination provides physicians with an alternative insight into the pathophysiology of PC as well as biological mechanisms stimulated by both HA and PRP that contribute to tissue restoration.
Author's stated that while both of these orthobiologic tools have their own fair share of advantages and drawbacks, they still promote similar positive effects in degenerative joint conditions like patellar chondropathy. Success rates may be higher in the early stages of disease where the pathological alterations are moderate.
ACCESS HERE: https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202310.1921.v1
If you have any questions or comments regarding the above research, or are wondering how you can apply it to your regenerative practice, please leave a comment below or shoot me an email at cdowns@mdbiologix.com
Cheers!
Connor
This blog post provides general information to help the reader better understand regenerative medicine, musculoskeletal health, and any related subjects. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and may not reflect the views and opinions of MDBiologix. All content provided in this blog, website, or any linked materials, including text, graphics, images, patient profiles, outcomes, and information, are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please always consult with a professional and certified healthcare provider to discuss if any treatment is right for you.