New Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis:
Lakeside Sports Medicine Centre and Australian Catholic University are seeking volunteers to participate in a clinical research trial evaluating the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for knee osteoarthritis.
The treatment will consist of a course of three injections of PRP into the affected knee joint over three weeks with the aim to reduce your pain and increase activity levels.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING OR WOULD LIKE SOME FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT OUR RECEPTION STAFF AT LAKESIDE SPORTS MEDICINE CENTRE ON:
(03) 9682 6029,
OR EMAIL US AT:
admin@lakesidesmc.com.au
Who is conducting the research?
- Dr Dan Bates (Sports Medicine Registrar and Co-Investigator, Lakeside Sports Medicine Centre).
- Dr Kade Paterson (Sports Podiatrist and Principal Investigator, Lakeside Sports Medicine Centre and Australian Catholic University).
- Ms Melissa Nicholls (Student Researcher, Australian Catholic University).
Why we are conducting this research?
- Osteoarthritis is a common condition and results in pain, joint stiffness that reduces the ability to participate in many daily activities or exercise, and affects quality of life.
- It is a condition that worsens with time and is characterised by loss or damage of the protective cartilage surface of joints and results in inflammation and damage of the surrounding tissues.
- As there is no known cure for the condition, medical treatment is focused on relieving symptoms and aims to reduce pain and disability, and maintain or improve joint mobility.
- Typical treatments include physiotherapy, weight loss, pain relief with simple analgesia medication, or stronger medications to reduce inflammation known as and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Another common treatment that is has been used safely for several years includes injections of a synthetic (e.g. Synvisc®) solution, into the affected joint to provide protection, lubrication and shock absorption and reduce pain and stiffness.
- Recent evidence suggests that a joint injection of a concentrated solution of platelet cells (from the individuals own blood) called Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a new treatment option that may reduce pain and improve physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis.
- When applied to an affected area, platelet cells become activated and assist blood to clot, but also they release other chemicals such as growth factors to promote healing and repair of the tissue in the area.
Who is eligible to participate?
- Individuals with ongoing knee joint pain and/or stiffness, and a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis
- Aged between 18 and 70 years
Who cannot take part in this study?
- Individuals with knee pain caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis or Gout
- Individuals with a history of cancer
- Individuals being treated with Immunosuppression medications
- Individuals with recent infection of the knee joint
- Pregnant or lactating women
- Individuals with a history of drug or alcohol dependency
- Individuals with other knee joint injuries or treatment in the previous 6 months
What is required of participants?
- A full knee assessment and further X-rays or scans may be required.
- If you choose to participate, you will be required to STOP TAKING any pain or anti-inflammatory medications (except Paracetamol) three weeks prior to the first treatment injection.
- Attend the LSMC clinic on a total of six occasions.
- On three occasions, you will complete two activity tests (a hop and shallow knee bend) to assess the muscular strength and ability of both legs (10 minutes).
- You will then be randomly assigned to one of two groups to receive either the PRP injection or an injection of Synvisc®.
- If you are in the PRP group, on three occasions (at weekly intervals) 20 mls of blood will be taken from an arm vein, processed and then injected back into the knee joint (one hour).
- If you are in the Synvisc® group, on three occasions (at weekly intervals) 20 mls of blood will be taken from an arm vein and then discarded, and you will receive an injection of Synvisc® into the knee joint (one hour).
Note, if you are assigned to the group to receive Synvisc®, you will be offered the PRP injection treatment following the completion of the study if you choose.
- You will also be required to complete an online (or hardcopy) pain survey and activity report daily for the first two weeks after treatment (five minutes), and three online (or hard copy) surveys on three occasions that ask you questions about your knee symptoms such as pain and activity restrictions (15 minutes).
What are the possible benefits?
- It is hoped that the treatment with PRP will result in a reduction in pain and stiffness, thus encouraging increased activity levels and an improvement in muscular strength surrounding the affected joint.
How to find out more information?
To register your interest in the study or to obtain further information please contact our reception staff at lakeside sports medicine centre on: (03) 9682 6029
or email: admin@lakesidesmc.com.au
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