Evaluation of the effect of platelet-rich plasma in early osteoarthritis knee using the oxford knee score: A short-term outcome

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is classically described as a noninflammatory, degenerative joint disease most commonly occurring in the elderly population. It is characterized by the deterioration of articular cartilage and by the formation of new bone at joint surfaces and margins. Our study aims at evaluating the efficacy of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in Grade I and II OA knees. Materials and Methods: A total of 46 patients with Grade I and II (Kellgren and Lawrence grading) primary OA knee were enrolled for a prospective study. Prior consent was taken for intra-articular injection of PRP from all patients. The study group was evaluated using the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) at 3 months and 6 months. Results: In our study, we found decreasing pain and improvement in activities of daily living with an increase in OKS at 3 and 6 months, follow-up indicating long-term pain relief, improvement in function, and decreased stiffness. Conclusion: Our study shows that intra-articular injection of PRP is safe and effective in treating Grade I and Grade II OA knee. We also observed improvement in daily living activities and a reduction in pain in patients with OA of the knee treated with two doses of PRP. PRP therapy is an easy, affordable, and minimally invasive treatment, which is practical to administer for treating degenerative OA of the knee with minimal associated adverse events.