Publication:

Comparison between 25% dextrose prolotherapy and single dose of platelet rich plasma in the management of pain and improvement of functional outcome in patients suffering from primary knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

Background One of the most prevalent and disabling diseases worldwide, which decreases patients' quality of life (QoL) is knee osteoarthritis. However, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, apart from complications, could not desirably control the disease. Limited studies are available in management of primary osteoarthritis of knee with prolotherapy with 25% dextrose and platelet rich plasma (PRP). Objective was to compare between 25% dextrose prolotherapy and single dose of PRP injection in the management of pain and improvement of functional outcome in patients suffering from primary knee osteoarthritis.

Methods A comparative study was conducted to see the effectiveness of 25% dextrose prolotherapy and PRP in primary osteoarthritis (OA) of knee in the management of pain and improvement of functional outcome in sixty-six patients in age group of 50 to 70 years attending PMR department OPD, RIMS, Imphal between october2018 to April 2020. The first group received 6 ml injections of 25% dextrose 3 times at baseline, 1 month and 4th month, whereas the 2nd group received single dose of 5ml PRP at baseline.

Results In both the groups 50 mg of tramadol tablet and isometric strengthening exercise of quadriceps was given. Assessment was done at baseline, at 1, 4 and 8 months by visual analogue scale (VAS) and western Ontario and McMaster university arthritis (WOMAC) index. Statistically significant improvement was noted in VAS (5.91±0.82 to 2.65±0.94) and WOMAC score (45.25±6.68 to 20.25±7.67) at end of 8 month in first group.

Conclusion It was concluded that 25% dextrose was more effective than in management of primary osteoarthritis of knee.