Publication:

Retrospective observational study of role of platelet rich plasma in osteoarthrosis of knee joint among Indian population

Background Direct release of platelet-derived factors at the site of cartilage disease, especially knee osteoarthrosis (OA), may promote tissue repair by further mediating the anti-inflammatory response and stimulating the natural regeneration signalling cascade. The study's objective was to assess how well platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections worked to improve joint function and lessen pain in Indian patients with osteoarthrosis of the knee.

Methods The study was a retrospective, observational. It was a multi-centric study. The retrieved study data covered one year. Data of 150 participants were retrieved for the study. The study comprised patients between the ages of 40 and 75 who had knee osteoarthrosis (Kellgren–Lawrence grade I–III) that was confirmed by radiography and clinical examination. Only individuals who had received intra-articular PRP injections with at least six months of follow-up data, experienced chronic knee pain that lasted longer than three months, and were not responding to conservative treatment were eligible.

Results The mean WOMAC score for patients with grade I–II OA (n=93) increased by 49.3%, from 66.1±7.3 at baseline to 33.5±5.4 after six months. On the other hand, the WOMAC score increased by 31.8% in grade III OA patients (n=57), from 72.1±6.8 to 49.1±5.7. In terms of pain and function, 65 patients (43.3%) reported good improvement and 58 patients (38.7%) reported outstanding improvement.

Conclusion In patients with knee osteoarthrosis, especially in the early and intermediate phases of the condition, PRP therapy greatly reduced discomfort and improved functional outcomes.