Randomized clinical trial comparing intra-articular injection of bone marrow aspirate clot and bone marrow aspirate concentrate in grade 3 and 4 knee osteoarthritis.

Study Summary

63 patients with moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis involving 113 knees were randomized to receive 3 monthly intra-articular injections of bone marrow aspirate clot (BMA-clot) or bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC). The primary outcome was functional improvement measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Secondary outcomes included pain measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), health-related quality of life measured using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, and adverse events. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after the first injection. Overall, the results revealed substantial and sustained improvements in function, pain, and quality of life with both treatments, without statistically significant between-group differences at any assessment. These findings suggest that BMA-clot and BMAC have comparable clinical efficacy and safety, while BMA-clot may offer a simpler and more accessible treatment option.