The Effect of Intraarticular Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disorder with progressive cartilage loss, chronic pain, and functional limitation. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an autologous concentrate with growth factors, has gained attention as a therapeutic modality due to its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluated clinical, biochemical, and radiological outcomes of intra-articular PRP injections in KOA patients.

This randomized controlled trial spanned over 18 months at a tertiary care center. A total of 70 patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade II and III KOA were randomly allocated into the PRP group (n = 35) and normal saline (NS) group (n = 35). Baseline assessment included Visual Analog Scale (VAS) index, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) functional index, serum Coll2-1 levels, and whole-organ magnetic resonance imaging score (WORMS). Patients received ultrasound (USG)-guided intra-articular injections at baseline and 1 month. Follow-up evaluations were performed at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months. Statistical analysis was done using appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests.

Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. The PRP group demonstrated significant reduction in WOMAC and VAS scores from 1 month onward, with sustained improvement at 3, 6, and 9 months versus the NS group (P < 0.05). Magnetic resonance imaging showed significant reduction in WORMS scores in the PRP group, whereas no significant change was observed in the NS group. In addition, serum Coll2-1 levels significantly decreased in the PRP group at 9 months, indicating reduced cartilage degradation.

Intra-articular PRP injections significantly improved pain, functional outcomes, and structural parameters in patients with moderate KOA. These findings suggest that PRP may serve as an effective therapeutic option with potential disease-modifying benefits in the management of KOA.