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. 2021:7:6.
doi: 10.1051/sicotj/2021003. Epub 2021 Mar 1.

Platelet-rich plasma as an effective biological therapy in early-stage knee osteoarthritis: One year follow up

Deepak Rai  1 , Jyotsana Singh  2 , Thimmappa Somashekharappa  3 , Ajit Singh  4
Affiliations

Platelet-rich plasma as an effective biological therapy in early-stage knee osteoarthritis: One year follow up

Deepak Rai et al. SICOT J. 2021.

Abstract

Objective: PRP is produced by centrifugation of whole blood containing highly concentrated platelets, associated growth factors, and other bioactive agents which has been shown to provide some symptomatic relief in early knee osteoarthritis (OA). The principal objective of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of standardized intra-articular injection of autologous PRP in early osteoarthritis knee.

Methods: A total of 98 eligible symptomatic patients received two injections of standardized PRP 3 weeks apart. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the VAS and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire before treatment and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after treatment. Secondary objectives were safety (side effects), and the effect of PRP on the different grades of knee degeneration.

Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in mean VAS and WOMAC scores at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and slight loss of improvement at 1 year follow-up. There was also a correlation between the degree of degeneration and improvement in the mean scores. The decrease in mean pain score is more in grades 1 and 2 (early OA) than in grade 3. The intraarticular injection is safe, with no major complications.

Conclusion: PRP is a safe and effective biological regenerative therapy for early OA Knees. It provides a significant clinical improvement in patients with some loss of improvement with time. More studies will be needed to confirm our findings.

Keywords: Osteoarthritis; Platelet rich plasma (PRP); WOMAC pain score.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Influence of knee degeneration on WOMAC scores. The overall best improvement after six months and 1 year was observed in Ahlbäck I sub-group and the overall least improvement in Ahlbäck III sub-group. This shows a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in all sub-groups after PRP injection.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Effect of knee degeneration grade on VAS. The overall best improvement after 6 months and 1 year was observed in Ahlbäck I sub-group and the overall least improvement in Ahlbäck III sub-group. This shows a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in all sub-groups after PRP injection.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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