Publication:

Clinical outcome of early-stage knee osteoarthritis after intra-articular platelet rich plasma injection

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease due to degradation of articular cartilage, proliferative reformation of subchondral bone and low degree of synovitis resulting in reduced quality of life (QOL), being the major cause of pain and disability in the elderly population. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous mixture of concentrated platelets and growth factors produced by centrifugation of whole blood, used to treat bone, tendon and ligament injuries. The growth factors released by PRP have been shown to promote cell recruitment, proliferation and angiogenesis resulting in a decrease in the expression of inflammatory enzymes. The aim was to study the effectiveness of intra-articular PRP injections in early-stage OA knee patients and to evaluate the clinical outcome and QOL at 6 months.

Methods We conducted an observational study of 100 patients with early OA knee changes with age group >50 years and injected their knees with PRP injections and serial follow up assessment was done.

Results We saw significant improvement in quality of lives evaluated as per world health organization quality of life (WHOQOL) questionnaire after PRP injections on their follow-up. Significant reduction in pain, reduction in joint stiffness and improvement in physical activities shown by significant reduction in Western Ontario and McMaster universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) scores.

Conclusions OA of knee is one of the commonest rheumatological problems after 50 years of age. It was commonly observed in females more than 60 years age with sedentary lifestyle. PRP therapy has given excellent results in pain relief, reduction of joint stiffness and improvement in physical activities and improvement in QOL.