Analogies Between Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Hyaluronic Acid Intra-articular Injections in the Treatment of Advanced Knee Arthritis: A Single-Center Study.

Abstract

Background Knee osteoarthritis (KOA), a degenerative joint disease, is a common cause of chronic knee pain and disability in adults. Conservative management options are the first-line approach, but intra-articular injections, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA), are considered for advanced cases. This study aims to compare the efficacy of PRP versus HA injections in patients with advanced KOA. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 145 patients with advanced KOA. Seventy patients received PRP injections, while 75 patients received HA injections. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score were employed to evaluate the treatment's efficacy. Adverse events associated with these injections were also recorded. Results Both PRP and HA injections significantly reduced pain and improved joint function in patients with advanced KOA. PRP injections were slightly more effective than HA injections in reducing pain scores. Both treatments showed similar improvements in functional outcomes. Adverse events were minimal and self-limiting for both treatments. Conclusions Both PRP and HA injections effectively ameliorate advanced KOA by reducing pain and improving function. PRP injections showed a slightly greater improvement in pain scores and functional outcomes. The choice between PRP and HA injections may depend on factors like cost, availability, and patient preference. Further research is needed to validate these findings and understand treatment suitability for different patient populations.