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 cover:
Microfragmented adipose tissue for knee osteoarthritis
Platelet-rich plasma dosing for knee osteoarthritis
Autologous protein solution for knee osteoarthritis
Corticosteroid vs hyaluronic acid vs platelet-rich plasma for knee osteoarthritis
Let's dive in!
Microfragmented Adipose Tissue Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis
Arthroscopy // LOE: I
This randomized controlled trial evaluated microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) injections compared to corticosteroid (CS) and saline control for knee osteoarthritis.
Key findings:
MFAT showed consistent and statistically significant improvements in pain and function compared to saline control at all follow-up points out to 1 year
MFAT demonstrated continued improvement over 1 year, while CS effects peaked at 2 weeks and declined thereafter
At 1 year, MFAT had significantly better outcomes than both CS and saline control
The authors conclude MFAT may be a viable alternative treatment for knee OA patients who fall into the "treatment gap" between conservative measures and surgery.
ACCESS HERE: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2024.08.037
Optimizing Platelet-Rich Plasma Dosing for Knee Osteoarthritis
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine // LOE: IV
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effect of platelet dose on outcomes after PRP injection for knee osteoarthritis.
Key findings:
A dose-response relationship was found between platelet quantity and PRP effectiveness
Doses >10 billion platelets showed the best clinical outcomes
The effect was more pronounced for functional outcomes than pain relief
Lower doses (5-10 billion platelets) showed some benefit over control but less than higher doses
The authors conclude that higher platelet doses (>10 billion) may be optimal for knee OA treatment with PRP, though more research is needed to confirm ideal dosing.
ACCESS HERE: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-024-09922-x
Autologous Protein Solution for Knee Osteoarthritis
Bone & Joint Journal // LOE: l
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of a specific autologous protein solution (APS) injection called nSTRIDE compared to saline placebo for moderate knee osteoarthritis.
Key findings:
No significant differences were found between APS and saline in WOMAC or KOOS scores at any timepoint out to 12 months
APS injection resulted in significantly worse pain symptoms at 12 months compared to saline on VAS pain scales
No adverse events were recorded in either group
The authors conclude that this particular APS product showed no benefit over placebo and may even worsen pain long-term in knee OA patients.
Corticosteroid vs Hyaluronic Acid vs Platelet-Rich Plasma for Knee Osteoarthritis
EFORT Open Reviews // LOE: lV
This systematic review and meta-analysis compared outcomes of corticosteroid (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for knee osteoarthritis.
Key findings:
CS and HA showed similar clinical benefits, with HA having slightly better long-term pain relief
PRP demonstrated superior outcomes to both CS and HA, especially at longer follow-up times
PRP's benefits were both statistically significant and clinically relevant compared to CS/HA
Higher PRP doses (>10 billion platelets) showed the best outcomes
The authors conclude that while CS and HA offer some short-term benefit, PRP appears to be the most effective injectable option for knee OA, especially at higher doses.
ACCESS HERE: https://doi.org/10.1530/EOR-23-0198
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.
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