The use of intra‐articular platelet rich plasma for the symptomatic management of osteoarthritis of the knee: a pilot study. Issue 5 (7th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sibillin, Olivia; Mitchell, David; Harris, Greg; Harvey, Jack; Spencer, Polly; Spencer, Luke
• Is Part Of: ANZ journal of surgery. Volume 92:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 1178
• Page End: 1183
• Publication Date: 2022-03-07
• Subjects: intra‐articular injection -- knee -- osteoarthritis -- pilot study -- platelet rich plasma -- WOMAC; Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1111/ans.17565
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1445-1433

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Osteoarthritis of the knee is a chronic inflammatory condition resulting in significant patient disability, with intra‐articular platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections having shown potential to improve symptomatic outcomes. This retrospective cohort pilot study aimed to observe whether PRP injections were beneficial in the symptomatic management of knee osteoarthritis in an Australian population, based on patient reported outcomes. An additional aim was to observe for an association between the number of injections and patient characteristics, such as body mass index, age, sex and radiologically determined severity of the disease. Methods: The cohort was drawn from those who attended Ballarat Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine for PRP injections and who had completed the appropriate pre‐ and post‐injection Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire. WOMAC scores were analysed to observe for any difference following a course of PRP injections. Results: The data suggest that the use of PRP improved patient reported WOMAC scores. Additionally, it was shown that two injections had a greater effect than one injection, with a third injection providing no further benefit. Finally, there was an association with lower WOMAC scores post PRP therapy amongst male participants compared to female participants. Conclusion: These results suggest two PRP injections are optimal for the symptomatic management of knee osteoarthritis, identifying a need for further prospective research in this Australian population. Abstract : Platelet rich plasma intra‐articular injections have shown benefit in the symptomatic management of knee osteoarthritis. However, there are gaps regarding it's use, particularly which patient populations are best suited and the optimal number of injections needed. This pilot study found that two intra‐articular platelet rich plasma injections were sufficient to improve the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, providing the framework for further prospective research into this area.