Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint disorder leading to pain and functional impairment. Intra-articular growth factor concentrate (GFC), a refined derivative of platelet-rich plasma, is emerging as a regenerative treatment modality with potential chondroprotective and analgesic effects. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intra-articular GFC in reducing pain, improving function, and promoting cartilage thickness in patients with moderate KOA living in hilly regions of Uttarakhand. Methodology: A retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Uttarakhand. Fifty patients aged 40–75 years with Kellgren–Lawrence Grade II–III KOA and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) ≥4 were included. Patients received GFC injections and were assessed at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months. Primary outcome was pain relief (NRS); secondary outcomes included cartilage thickness (ultrasound), WOMAC score, and adverse events. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: The mean NRS scores significantly decreased from 7.2 to 2.5 at 3 months ( P = 0.007). Cartilage thickness improved from 2.57 mm to 2.88 mm ( P = 0.002). WOMAC score showed significant improvement (23.06% reduction; P < 0.01). Only one patient (1.96%) reported mild local soreness, indicating a favorable safety profile. Conclusions: Intra-articular GFC demonstrated significant pain relief, functional improvement, and increased cartilage thickness over 3 months in moderate KOA patients living in hilly regions of Uttarakhand with minimal adverse effects. These findings support GFC as a viable regenerative therapy in conservative osteoarthritis management. Prospective, long-term studies are warranted.
Kantha et al. (Thu,) studied this question.