Assessment of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) In the Treatment of Primary Osteoarthritis Knee: An Original Research

Abstract

Introduction: The present therapeutic line of osteoarthritis of knee is primarily symptomatic, therefore the need to discover treatment modality which tackles the disease process in itself. This study was done with an intention to examine the efficacy of platelet rich plasma in primary osteoarthritis of knee.

Materials and Methods: This prospective investigation was done on 100 knees in 100 individuals having early primary osteoarthritis of the knee. Three injections of platelet rich plasma were administered at four weeks interval and the outcome was analyzed by WOMAC and VAS score at pre injection, 3 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. Ahlback’s grading was done at pre-injection and at 6 months.

Results: Most of the cases in our series were in the age category of 50-65 years with female predominance (73%), 51% cases had grade 2 disease and the remaining had grade 1 involvement. Improvement in WOMAC score parameters started after 3 weeks with continuing improvement at successive follow-ups. WOMAC score parameters (pain, stiffness, physical function and total score) at pre injection were 14.22, 5.05, 36.41and 55.8 and at 6 months follow up were 5.92, 2.07, 16.78 and 24.11 correspondingly. Similar improvement was noted in VAS score with pre injection score of 7.12 and final score of 2.96. The average WOMAC score was less for grade 1 as compared to grade 2 (43.42 vs 60.41); (43.63 vs 61.36). Improvement was reported in 86% of patients however the level varied from good to slight improvement. There was no problem associated to the treatment in our series.

Conclusion: The initial data show that PRP is an effective therapeutic strategy in early grades of primary Osteoarthritis of knee. However, further strong evidence Research is required to check for the long-term impacts and to corroborate the conclusions of this investigation.

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