Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2025
Preparation, Procedures and Evaluation of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Published on: January 4, 2019
Intra-Articular Injection of Autologous Microfat and Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A
Marie Laure Louis1, Robinson Gravier Dumonceau2, Elisabeth Jouve2
1ICOS, Sport and Orthopedics Surgery Institute, Marseille, France; Orthopedic Department, Clinique Juge, Almaviva, Marseille, France; Orthopedic Department, Hopital Nord, AP-HM, Marseille, France.
Purpose:
To compare a single abdominal microfat (MF) injection mixed or not with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Low Dose (LD) or High Dose (HD) in order to improve MRI parameters, alleviate pain and enhance functional capacity in knee osteoarthritis.
Methods:
Patients with symptomatic grade 2 to 4 knee osteoarthritis according to the International Cartilage Repair Society MRI classification were selected. They were prospectively assessed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. The primary endpoint was change in the maximum of value of cartilage relaxation time in T2 mapping sequences (T2max) at 3 months. Secondary endpoints were MRI grade severity and joint space assessment, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index score, pain evaluation, knee range of motion, and patients' satisfaction. Adverse events were also collected. The complete cell counts and growth factors content of injected products were assessed to analyze their potential relationship with MRI and clinical outcomes.
Results:
Three groups of 10 patients received a single injection of 10 cc of a mix (1:1) containing MF-Saline, MF-PRP LD or MF-PRP HD. T2max did not change significantly over the time for any of the groups. All treatments significantly improved knee functional status and symptom relief at 3 and 6 months. All patients were responders in the MF/PRP HD at 3 months and significantly higher compared to MF/PRP LD. Half of the injected PRP in the MF/PRP LD group displayed red blood cell contamination of over 8%, which was correlated with an impairment of T2max.
Conclusion:
A single intra-articular injection of MF with or without PRP is safe and may offer a significant clinical improvement in patients with osteoarthritis.
Level Of Evidence:
2; randomized double-blind comparative parallel-group trial (RCT No.: NCT04352075).
Insights
A single injection of microfat (MF) with or without platelet-rich plasma (PRP) improved knee function and pain in osteoarthritis patients. High-dose PRP showed better results, while contamination affected MRI outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Regenerative Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Knee osteoarthritis significantly impacts patient quality of life.
- Current treatments offer limited efficacy for cartilage repair and pain relief.
- Microfat (MF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are emerging regenerative therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare microfat (MF) injection with or without low-dose (LD) or high-dose (HD) platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for knee osteoarthritis.
- To evaluate the effects on MRI parameters, pain, and functional capacity.
- To assess safety and patient satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, double-blind trial involving 30 patients with knee osteoarthritis.
- Three groups received a single intra-articular injection: MF-Saline, MF-PRP LD, or MF-PRP HD.
- Assessment included MRI T2 mapping (T2max), clinical scores (WOMAC), pain, range of motion, and patient satisfaction at 3 and 6 months.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in T2max were observed in any group.
- All treatments led to significant improvements in knee function and pain relief at 3 and 6 months.
- MF/PRP HD showed a higher response rate at 3 months compared to MF/PRP LD. Red blood cell contamination in MF/PRP LD correlated with impaired T2max.
Conclusions:
- A single intra-articular injection of MF with or without PRP is safe for knee osteoarthritis.
- These treatments can provide significant clinical improvement in functional status and pain relief.
- High-dose PRP appears more effective, and product quality (e.g., contamination) may influence MRI outcomes.
More Related Videos
14:49Clinical Protocol of Producing Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction for Potential Cartilage Regeneration
Published on: September 29, 2018
07:24Autologous Microfractured and Purified Adipose Tissue for Arthroscopic Management of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
Published on: January 23, 2018