Effects of Intra-articular injection of Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) in clinical outcomes of Osteoarthritis (OA) knee

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of pain and disability in older adults, with a global burden predicted to increase. The avascular nature of knee cartilage complicates treatment, limiting its regenerative ability.  Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections compared to steroid injections in reducing knee pain and improving function in individuals with symptomatic knee OA.  Methods: Seventy OA knee patients aged 50-70 years were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A (PRP) received 3 ml of intra-articular PRP injections, while group B (steroid) received intra-articular steroid injections (Depomedrol 80mg + Lidocaine 1ml). Each group received three injections at weekly intervals. The primary outcomes, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain and WOMAC score, were assessed at baseline, 2 months, and 6 months.  Results: PRP injections were more effective than steroids in reducing pain and improving knee function. At 6 months, the VAS pain score decreased by 65% in the PRP group compared to 45% in the steroid group (p < 0.05). The WOMAC score improved by 70% in the PRP group and 50% in the steroid group (p < 0.01). The standard deviation for VAS scores in the PRP group was 3.4, and 4.1 in the steroid group, suggesting a more consistent response in the PRP group. The p-value for both pain and function improvements was statistically significant, reinforcing the superior efficacy of PRP.  Conclusion: Intra-articular PRP injections are a safer and more effective treatment for knee OA compared to corticosteroid therapy, with longer-lasting results. Further research is needed to refine PRP protocols.