Publication:

A prospective study of intra-articular injections of platelet rich plasma in early osteoarthritis knee joint

Background Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a natural concentrate of autologous blood growth factors experimented in different fields of medicine in order to test its potential to enhance tissue regeneration. The aim of our study is to study the effects of intra articular injections of autologous “Platelet Rich Plasma“ in the osteoarthritis of knee joint and to assess the functional outcome after injecting platelet rich plasma in osteoarthritic knee joints and compare the results with standard studies and draw conclusions.

Methods This is a prospective study done on 161 Kellgren-Lawrence radiological grade I and grade II knee joints, between August 2013 and March 2016 which, were treated with PRP intra-articular injections. The procedure consisted of injection of 8 ml platelet concentrate into the knee joint with an 18- gauge needle without local anaesthetic. Patients were assessed with WOMAC (Western Ontario McMaster Universities Arthritis Index) scoring pre injection of PRP and post injection period of 1 month and 6 months. A reduction in WOMAC score is suggestive of improvement in the patient’s condition.

Results There is a significant improvement in WOMAC score of all the patients and the results sustained for more than 6 months. Though there is clinically better results are seen in grade I knee joints than grade II knee joints, these results are statistically not significant.

Conclusions Osteoarthritis (Grade I and Grade II) of Kellgren Lawrence radiological grading does give relief from pain, stiffness and improves functionality without any major side effects and can be recommended as a viable modality of treatment.