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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Preparation, Procedures and Evaluation of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Published on: January 4, 2019
Ultrasound-Guided Aspiration of Baker's Cyst Combined With Intracystic Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in Knee
Oğuz Akarsu1, Ayhan Aşkin, Korhan Barış Bayram
1Katip Çelebi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Izmir, Türkiye.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to evaluate whether ultrasound (US)-guided aspiration of Baker's cyst (BC) followed by intracystic platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection reduces pain, improves functional outcomes, and decreases cyst size.
Design:
Thirty-six patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1-3 knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and BC were randomized into two groups. Group A underwent cyst aspiration alone, while Group B received aspiration followed by intracystic PRP injection. Assessments were performed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and ultrasonographic cyst measurements.
Results:
In Group A, WOMAC pain, function, and total scores improved at both follow-ups, whereas NRS and WOMAC stiffness improved only at 6 weeks; cyst size remained unchanged. In Group B, significant improvements were found in NRS, all WOMAC subscales, and cyst size at both evaluations. At week 12, between-group analysis demonstrated greater pain relief and superior WOMAC scores in Group B, although cyst size reduction was similar between groups.
Conclusion:
US-guided aspiration combined with intracystic PRP provided superior pain relief and functional improvement compared to aspiration alone in KOA patients with BC.
