Clinical Studies

NorthShore Orthopaedic Institute Research Study

Name of Research Study:  Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) vs Hyaluronic Acid in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

Purpose of the Study:  To compare the results of two different types of knee injections as to the relief of knee pain, knee function, and changes in knee cartilage for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

What is Knee Osteoarthritis?  Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common and painful condition where the cartilage in the knee breaks down. Normal cartilage is a white smooth material that provides a cushion of support in the joint and allows easy gliding of the two surfaces on each other. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage begins to wear down causing pain and swelling. When all the cartilage is worn away, the arthritis becomes severe and surgery may be required. Patients with moderate osteoarthritis who still have some cartilage space seen on x-rays are candidates for this study.

What Will Happen in the Research Study? Patients who join the study will have testing to be sure they are eligible. Then eligible patients will be randomized (like the flip of a coin) to either receive 3 platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections (study group) or 3 hyaluronic acid injections (standard of care group). The 3 injections will be a week apart at a NorthShore orthopedic site. Three MRIs will be completed at Evanston Hospital to examine changes in the knee cartilage at study start, 6 months, and 12 months. Brief questionnaires will be administered at clinic visits.

What is a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection?  A PRP injection is a simple procedure that is done in the office.  PRP is made by taking platelets from a small amount of your own blood.  Platelets, which are found in your blood and help with blood clooting, also contain many proteins, called growth factors, which are important for tissue healing.  When an injury occurs, platelets also release proteins that attract the body’s stem cells to the injured area. By injecting concentrated PRP into the knee, the body will recognize this site as a priority to potentially heal it more quickly and thoroughly. 

What is a Hyaluronic acid (HA) Injection?  HA is a natural part of the fluid in your knee joint but becomes reduced when you have osteoarthritis.  This reduction can be improved with HA injections (also called viscosupplementation) which is the current standard of care. 

Are these Injections Done Often?  Both types of injections have been performed on patients for many years in the United States. For most patients, the pain experienced is mild, similar to a cortisone injection. The physicians in this study are experienced in performing both PRP and HA knee injections. 

What are the Costs?  The knee injections in this study and all MRIs are paid by the research study.

Who should I contact if I would like more detailed information about the study?  Either fill out the secure form below or email Dr. Bullock at DrBullock@arcorthobiologics.com with your information.  We will contact you with additional information.  Additionally, you can contact the orthopedic department at NorthShore at 847-866-7846.  Just ask for Dr. Bullock's team to contact you regarding the PRP study.