Intra Articular Injection Of Autologous Microfat And Platelet-Rich Plasma In The Treatment Of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double Blind Randomized Comparative Study.

Abstract Purpose Compare a single abdominal microfat (MF) injection mixed or not with PRP Low Dose (LD) or High Dose (HD) in order to improve MRI parameters and alleviate pain and enhance functional capacity in knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Patients with symptomatic grade 2 to 4 knee OA according to the International Cartilage Repair Society MRI classification were selected. They were prospectively assessed at baseline, at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. The primary endpoint was the change in maximum of value of cartilage relaxation time in T2 mapping sequences (T2max) at 3 months. Secondary endpoints were MRI grade severity and joint space assessment, WOMAC score, pain evaluation, knee range of motion and patient’s satisfaction. Adverse events were also collected. The complete cell counts and growth factors content of injected products were assessed to analyze their potential relationship with MRI/clinical outcomes. Results Three groups of 10 patients received a single injection of 10 cc of a mix (1:1) containing either MF-Saline, MF-PRP LD or MF-PRP HD. T2max did not change significantly over the time for any of the groups. All treatments significantly improved knee functional status and symptoms relief at 3 and 6 months. All patients were responders in the MF/PRP HD at 3 months and significantly higher compared to MF/PRP LD. Half of the injected PRP in the MF/PRP LD group displayed RBCs contamination over 8% which was correlated with an impairment of T2max. Conclusion A single intra articular injection of MF with or without PRP is safe and may offer a significant clinical improvement in patients with OA.