INTRA-ARTICULAR PLATELET RICH PLASMA IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Introduction: Osteoarthritis of knee is the most common worldwide degenerative joint disease and is a common condition associated with pain and morbidity which significantly impacts the patients mobility and quality of life. It is treated by use of exercises, weight reduction, walking supports, bracing, topical and oral NSAID, intra-articular (IA) injections of corticosteroids and blood-derived products, including platelet-rich-plasma. An autologous blood product containing a high percentage of various growth factors (GFs), cytokines and modulating factors as PRP has shown promising results in achieving this goal. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections in patients affected by knee osteoarthritis (KOA) of grades from 1 to 3 Kellgren‑Lawrence (KL) grading.

Materials and Methods: In this study a total of 30 patients, radiologically confirmed with knee osteoarthritis. All patients were managed with intra-articular platelet rich plasma injection. The pain and function of the target knee were evaluated by the VAS, KSS and IKDC scales at the baseline, 1 week, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 18 weeks, 24 weeks and 48 weeks after treatment.

Results: In this study, there was reduction of 5 ± 0.4 and 4 in mean VAS from baseline was found after 24 and 48 weeks after treatment. A significant function improvements of 32.10±1.5 and 21.4±4.9 in mean KSS from baseline was seen after 24 and 48 weeks respectively after treatment. Similarly a significant function improvements of 47.1±3.9 and 32.1±4.6 in mean IKDC from baseline was seen after 24 and 48 weeks respectively after treatment.

Conclusion: Intra articular platelet rich plasma produce superior outcomes for symptomatic management in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis grade I, II and III, including improved pain management, less joint stiffness and better participation in daily activity.