2015 10th Biennial ISAKOS Congress : Comparing PRP with High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid (HMWHA) Injections for End Career Athletes with Degenerative Cartilage Lesions of the Knee

48 male soccer players, with evidence of degenerative cartilage lesions were randomized to receive either injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMWHA). The purpose of the study was to determine the efficacy of both treatments in patients over a 12 month period. Results indicated that patients responded well to both treatments, with significantly better improvements in knee scores seen in the PRP group at 3 and 6 months follow-up. However, both treatments were similarly effective after 12 months.