Results of platelet-rich plasma intra-articular injection in all stages of osteoarthritis of the knee

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a common degenerative joint disorder leading to chronic pain, stiffness, and functional limitation. Conventional treatments provide only symptomatic relief and do not reverse the disease process. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a regenerative therapy rich in growth factors, has emerged as a promising modality for improving joint function and reducing pain in OA. Aim was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of intra-articular PRP injections in patients with knee OA across different stages. This prospective case series included 10 patients with knee OA treated with a single intra-articular PRP injection. PRP was prepared by centrifugation at 2200 rpm for 8 minutes and injected using an inferolateral approach under aseptic precautions. Patients were followed up at 48 hours, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Outcome measures included pain assessment using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and functional evaluation using WOMAC and knee society score (KSS). The mean VAS score significantly decreased from 7.5±1.1 at baseline to 3.4±1.3 at 6 months, indicating substantial pain relief. Functional outcomes showed progressive improvement, with WOMAC scores decreasing and KSS scores increasing over time. Eight patients (80%) showed significant improvement, while two patients (20%) demonstrated moderate improvement, particularly in advanced stages of OA. Patients with early-stage disease showed better response compared to those with severe disease. No major adverse effects were observed. Intra-articular PRP injection is a safe and effective treatment for knee OA, providing significant pain relief and functional improvement, especially in early to moderate stages. It can be considered a promising non-surgical option for managing knee OA.