Evidence of Cartilage Regeneration with PRP

Samuel G Oltman, ND, RMSK

Recent studies not only show that PRP is effective for knee osteoarthritis but that PRP may also increase cartilage thickness. This is a very common question we get from patients: PRP helps with knee pain but will it regrow cartilage? It can be difficult to answer because I don’t think we are able to say that cartilage increases in every patient with every treatment. But these studies continue to provide proof of concept for the novel way in which PRP helps osteoarthritis. 

PRP For Osteoarthritis

There is no cure for arthritis. It is a consequence of aging of the joint in certain contexts of injury, wear and tear, and genetics. What is modifiable is the speed at which arthritis progresses, the pain associated with the arthritis, and the function of the joint. The potential for cartilage regeneration improves all 3 of these modifiable factors. 

PRP Cartilage Regeneration

In one study, patients were injected with 3 PRP treatments spaced out by a month each. At 6 month follow up their pain scores improved, knee function scores improved, and cartilage thickness INCREASED by about 10% (1).

In another study done by a different group of researchers, patients were injected with 3 PRP treatments spaced out by a week each. At 6 month follow up the same findings were found: improved pain scores, improved function scores, and increased cartilage thickness (2). 

Proof of Concept For PRP

These studies were small and there have been other studies that do not show cartilage changes (although this is attributed to using improperly made PRP). The important takeaway is that it is possible, unlike any other treatment available. Even without significant regrowth, maintenance of current cartilage and improvement in pain and function are reliable outcomes. 

Especially in light of current options in conventional medicine, PRP is THE choice for knee osteoarthritis. 

Current “Mainstream” Options: 

• Physical Therapy: Essential. You should be doing this no matter what. 

• Cortisone: Short term band-aide. Taking the batteries out of the smoke alarm. DEGRADES cartilage more quickly (3). 

• NSAIDs: Short term band-aide. Taking the batteries out of the smoke alarm. ACCELERATES path towards knee replacement (4). 

• Knee Replacement: Last resort. Becoming increasingly sedentary leading up to a knee replacement is detrimental to long term function. 

PRP (and MFAT) are the only treatments that actually heal the underlying problem and have the capability to regenerate cartilage tissue. It is the best choice for long term knee health. Come see the difference today at Cascade Regenerative Medicine.

References:

1. Pundkar AG, Shrivastava S, Chandanwale R, Jaiswal A, Patel H. Exploring the efficacy of biologics in knee osteoarthritis: ultrasound evaluation of cartilage regeneration effects. Indian J Orthop. 2024;58(8):1009-1015.

2. Johnson DS, Dhiman N, Badhal S, Wadhwa R. Effects of intra-articular platelet rich plasma on cartilage thickness, clinical and functional outcomes in knee osteoarthritis. Cureus. 2022;14(12):e32256.

3. Wernecke C, Braun HJ, Dragoo JL. The effect of intra-articular corticosteroids on articular cartilage. Orthop J Sports Med. 2015;3(5):2325967115581163.

4. Salis Z, Sainsbury A. Association of long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with knee osteoarthritis: a prospective multi-cohort study over 4-to-5 years. Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):6593.