High Frequency Intensive Autologous PRP Injection and Genicular Nerve Blocks in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis

NCT04088045 · Status: UNKNOWN · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 36

Last updated 2019-10-08

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knees is the most common degenerative disorder seen in a rehabilitation outpatient clinic. It is characterized by structural changes in the articular cartilage and the surrounding tissues. The understanding of its pathophysiology is still unclear. Knee OA patients are often troubled with knee pain and functional disturbance. Several studies have shown that the earlier the injection of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) to treat early stages of knee OA, the better the treatment outcome. However, there are controversies as to whether PRP injections can also be effective in treating patients with moderate to severe degrees of knee OA. Synovial fluid (SF) is in contact with the primary tissues affected by OA (cartilage and synovium). Identifying the SF biomarkers can provide us with crucial information in monitoring the PRP treatment response.

PRP is blood plasma that is rich in autologous platelets. Platelet releases growth factors and cytokines that can stimulate the healing of soft tissue structures. However, the amount of platelets in human blood is not concentrated. Purification and centrifugation procedures are needed to concentrate these platelets. The human knee cartilage is contained inside the knee joint and has scarce blood supply. When the cartilage is injured, growth factors can hardly reach this area to repair the cartilage. Therefore, many studies have suggested early usage of PRP in treating knee OA. Some studies have stated that the effect of PRP in treating knee OA is superior to that of hyaluronic acid (HA). Recent studies have recommended the application of high frequency PRP injections (ex/ intra-articular (IA) PRP injections on a weekly basis) in treating patients with more severe degrees of knee OA. Prolotherapy using hyperosmolar dextrose solution has been shown to have some positive effectiveness in treating patients with knee OA. Higher percentage, such as \> 12.5% of dextrose water, may stimulate cartilage repair. Lower percentage, such as 5% dextrose water, has been documented to play an essential role in anti-inflammation, and pain reduction.

Conditions

Interventions

DEVICE

Autologous platelet rich plasma and 5% dextrose solution injections.

One group of patients will receive autologous platelet rich plasma injection into the knee joint and pes anserinus complex. The other group will receive both PRP injections into the knee joint and pes anserinus complex, and prolotherapy of 5% dextrose solution to the genicular nerves. Dextrose solutions are injected to the genicular nerves.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Carl P.C. Chen · Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

Study Design

Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
SEQUENTIAL

Eligibility

Min Age
45 Years
Max Age
85 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2019-08-01
Primary Completion
2021-07-31
Completion
2021-07-31

Countries

  • Taiwan

Study Locations

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Entities

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT04088045 on ClinicalTrials.gov