Triple injection of intra-articular PRP given one month apart significantly relieves knee OA symptoms

Najmul Huda et al found in the study that - Triple injection of intra-articular PRP given one month apart significantly relieves the symptoms of knee OA till 2 years in Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade I, II and III. The improvement in symptoms at 2-year follow-up did not differ across different KL grades.

PRP is the autologous plasma part of the blood that has high concentration of platelets, which contain many growth factors in their alpha granules [like platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), transforming growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, insulin like growth factor-1,2]. These growth factors increase the anabolic activity within the joint, favour chondrocyte proliferation, increased synthesis of collagen, chondral remodeling and production of matrix molecules which leads to healing. PRP has now become an almost established treatment for OA knees.

The literature reporting a follow-up of more than one year is scarce. Hence the authors aimed to find out whether the effect of PRP, persists beyond one year. All the patients in this study were followed up for 2 years.

The authors conducted a prospective interventional study.

68 cases (105 knees) with KL grades I, II and III knee OA received 3 intra-articular injections of PRP 1 month apart. The cases were followed up for 2-years. Outcomes were measured using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score and Visual analog scale (VAS) scores.