Assessment of Pain and Functional Outcome between Intra-Articular Corticosteroids and Platelet Rich Plasma (Prp) in Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Abstract

Background-Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis, which significantly impacts the patient’s mobility and quality of life. Although pharmacological treatments like corticosteroids can provide immediate pain relief and enhance mobility and quality of life for osteoarthritis patients, their long-term effectiveness is limited. Material and Method- Forty patients affected by symptomatic radiologically confirmed knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren Lawrence grades II–III) were enrolled in this study. In the study, 30 patients were assigned to the PRP group and received a 5 mL intra-articular injection of PRP, while another 30 patients were randomized to the corticosteroid group and received an intra-articular injection of triamcinolone acetonide (2 mL of 40 mg/mL) and lidocaine (3 mL of 2%). The VAS, IKDC, and WOMAC scales were used to evaluate pain and function of the target knee at baseline, 1.5 months, and 3 months after treatment.