More and more literature is showing the effectiveness of platelet rich plasma (PRP) in treating mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. Some studies have shown that these results can last up to 2 years. Dr Dirk Venter has been offering PRP injections to patients with knee osteoarthritis since 2009. In Dirk’s experience, patients usually get benefit for 6 to 12 months, before requiring further PRP injections.

There is a growing body of evidence supporting the use of PRP in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. However, it is still considered a controversial treatment method by some experts in the medical community. The risks associated with it are minimal: There may be slight discomfort at the time of injection, but the incidence of other problems — infection, tissue damage, nerve injuries — appears to be no different from that associated with cortisone injections.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is an independent public body that provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care in England. NICE prepared an interventional procedure overview in 2019, due for review in 2026, to help members of the interventional procedures advisory committee (IPAC) make recommendations about the safety and efficacy of PRP injections for osteoarthritis of the knee.

In a systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomised controlled trials including 1,423 patients, which compared the effect of PRP injections with other injections (including saline placebo, hyaluronic acid [HA], ozone, and corticosteroids) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, PRP significantly improved pain compared with controls (placebo or HA) at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months.

You can read the full review at https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg637/evidence/overview-final-pdf-6659770717

If you are considering treatment with PRP, be aware that the treatment isn’t currently covered by ACC or private medical insurers.

Common approaches to managing osteoarthritis of the knees include lifestyle changes to protect your joints. This includes exercise to keep the muscles around the knee strong, as well as maintaining a healthy weight, to ensure that you are not placing additional stress on your knee joint. PRP can help to improve symptoms to allow you to undertake more exercise and to maintain your mobility. Function is freedom.

Osteoarthritis treatment is tailored to you and based upon how severe your pain and stiffness are, which joints are affected, how much difficulty you are having with daily activities, and your preferences. It is important to work with your GP and orthopaedic specialist to create an effective long-term plan for living with osteoarthritis that you are comfortable with. PRP can be a useful part of this plan.

The Procedure:
Platelet-rich plasma is prepared on-site by Dr Venter. Blood is taken from the patient and centrifuged to obtain a concentrated suspension of platelets in plasma.

Platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the joint space in the knee, under ultrasound guidance. Platelets contain growth factors that are thought to stimulate chondrocyte proliferation, leading to cartilage repair. The aim is to relieve symptoms, potentially delaying the need for joint replacement surgery.

The procedure is done on-site and takes approximately 60 minutes.