Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Hyaluronic Acid for Knee Chondral Injuries In Young Patients

Objective  The present study aimed to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of hyaluronic acid (HA) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applications to treat young patients with knee chondral lesions with no arthrosis. Methods  Prospective clinical and functional evaluation of 30 young adult patients with knee chondral lesions submitted to conservative treatment with HA or PRP for a minimum follow-up time of 12 months. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and visual analog scale (VAS) were used for the evaluation. Results  According to the WOMAC score, the PRP group showed significant improvement in all evaluated points, whereas the HA group presented no score improvement. In the VAS, the PRP group showed improvement in all evaluated points, and the HA group presented improvement at 6 and 12 months. Compared to the HA group, the PRP group presented better WOMAC scores at all evaluated points and better VAS scores up to 6 months after treatment. Conclusion  Platelet-rich plasma application resulted in better clinical and functional outcomes at both the WOMAC and VAS scores when applied to knees from young patients with chondral lesions, but no arthrosis. These outcomes were sustained for up to 12 months. Level of evidence  Randomized clinical trial (Type 2B).