PLATELET-RICH PLASMA VERSUS CORTICOSTEROID IN THE TREATMENT OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Regenerative Medicine
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint disease causing pain and reduced function.
• Intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and corticosteroids (CS) are common treatments for KOA.
• Clinical effectiveness of PRP versus CS for KOA requires comprehensive evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical effectiveness of intra-articular PRP injections against CS injections in treating knee osteoarthritis.
• To analyze pain scores, functional outcomes, and quality of life improvements in KOA patients treated with PRP versus CS.

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis of twelve studies involving 801 joints (404 PRP, 397 CS) was conducted.
• Literature search included PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to December 2023.
• Data analyzed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), KOOS, and WOMAC scores with Review Manager 5.4.1.

Main Results:

• PRP significantly reduced VAS scores at 3, 6, and 9 months compared to CS (P<0.00001).
• PRP significantly improved WOMAC total scores at 1, 6, 9, and 12 months (P<0.00001).
• PRP enhanced KOOS pain relief, daily living, and quality of life scores at 3 and 6 months (P<0.00001).

Conclusions:

• Intra-articular PRP injections demonstrate superior efficacy over CS injections for knee osteoarthritis management.
• PRP provides significant medium to long-term benefits in pain reduction and functional improvement.
• PRP enhances patients' quality of life, daily activities, and sports capabilities in KOA treatment.