Role of intra articular injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma in primary knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. While it can occur even in young people, the chance of developing osteoarthritis rises after age 45. Women are more likely to have osteoarthritis than men. Early cases cannot be detected by conventional x-rays. In such cases, diagnostic sonography is a useful tool to diagnose knee osteoarthritis. Also, using US guidance increases the accuracy of the intra articular injection. Autologous platelet-rich plasma provides a mean of a local, self-derived natural substance administration in treating knee osteoarthritis when compared with the traditional injection using steroids or using HA. The present study was designed to evaluate of the effectiveness of PRP in treatment of knee osteoarthritis compared with high molecular weight HA based on clinical, functional assessment of the patient and objective sonographic assessment of the knee cartilage. The study group received 3 PRP injections at one week interval, while the control group received a single dosed high molecular weight HA. All patients were subjected to full medical history taking, thorough clinical examination, assessment of pain intensity in the knee, using 0-10 cm VAS, and functional assessment using the subjective IKDC score. Sonographic assessment of the knee with Tsai et al., 2007 grading of the knee cartilage was done as an objective tool.