Comparison of Efficacy of Single Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma versus Corticosteroid in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction:As the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition, osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial, chronic illness that begins with the breakdown of articular cartilage, resulting in the loss of joint space and the development of regional osteophytes.Growth factorcontaining platelets can stimulate anabolism in any type of cell, including chondrocytes, and can also repair damaged cells.From this angle, platelet rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed as a therapy for lesions with limited regenerative capacity, such as articular cartilage lesions.Aims/ objective: To compare efficacy of single injection of platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroid in patients with knee osteoarthritis.Materials and Method: 60 patients with knee osteoarthritis were divided into two groups with 30 patients in each group receiving PRP or corticosteroid intra-articular injection.The following measures were taken prior to the injection: flexion contracture, both active and passive range of motions (ROM) of knee, 20MW test, VAS-based pain severity, and one and six months later.The portions of the KOOS questionnaire were evaluated prior to the procedure, as well as one, and six months later. Results:Most the patients had grade 3 osteoarthritis from radiological examination.Patients in PRP group had comparatively better score with respect to KOOS parameters than corticosteroid group at 1 and 6 months of follow-up and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05).Patients in PRP group had comparatively better outcome with respect to VAS, 20 MW test, and range of motion parameters than corticosteroid group at 1 and 6 months of follow-up and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion:The result of our study demonstrated than platelet rich plasma is safe and effective in reducing pain and enhancing physical functions in patients with osteoarthritis.