Publication:

Comparison between single spin and double spin platelet rich plasma in pain and functional outcome of Osteoarthritis knee: A randomized controlled trial

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is condition characterised by progressive degeneration of joint cartilage, eventually leading to deformity of the joint. OA causes pain and disability and impacts on quality-of-life. Intra-articular platelet rich plasma gives favourable outcomes in OA knee; however, efficacy may be affected by method of preparation. Hence, this study comparing single spin and double spin platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Methods A randomised controlled trial done among patients of OA who visited Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal during August 2019-July 2021. Patients with OA knee having radiological findings of Kellgren Lawrence (KL) grade 2 and 3 (n=62) randomized into single spin PRP, (n=31) and double spin PRP, (n=31) groups and intra-articular PRP injection was given.

Results Baseline characteristics were not statistically significant. At the end of 1 week, improvement in mean difference of VAS was observe however not statistically significant (p=0.71). At end of 12 weeks and 24 weeks, there were statistically significant improvement in both mean difference of VAS (p=0.00) and WOMAC (p=0.002). Post intervention, out of the single spin PRP group, (64.51%, n=20) had complaints of adverse effects swelling, pain, redness whereas (6.45%, n=2) patients who received double spin PRP had adverse effects.

Conclusions Platelet rich plasma obtained by double spin method has long term improvement in both pain and function in patients with KL grade 2 and 3 OA knee than PRP from single spin method. Patient who received single spin PRP has more frequent post injection flare ups.