Exploring the Efficacy of Biologics in Knee Osteoarthritis: Ultrasound Evaluation of Cartilage Regeneration Effects.

Abstract

Biologics like growth factors, stem cells, and platelet-rich plasma show potential in stimulating cartilage regrowth and reducing inflammation. By synthesizing preclinical and clinical studies, this study offers insights into how these biologics work and their effectiveness in treating knee osteoarthritis. Twenty-four participants with knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren - Lawrence grade II or III) were enrolled after obtaining consent. They received three doses of 2ml intraarticular platelet-rich plasma at 1month intervals. The clinical assessment involved the oxford knee score (OKS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain on Days 0, 90, and 180. Ultrasound measured femoral and trochlear cartilage thickness pre- (Day 0) and post-PRP (Day 90-180). Before treatment, the average pain score was 7.2 (p = 1.03). On Day 90 post-PRP, it decreased to 5 (p = 0.81), and by Day 180, it further reduced to 4.5 (p = 0.97). The initial total OKS was 33.5 (p = 1.76), which increased to 36 (p = 1.71) on Day 90 and 38.5 (p = 1.89) on Day 180. The femoral and trochlear cartilage thickness also showed improvement from baseline (0.92) to Day 90 (0.96) and Day 180 (1.01), indicating significant cartilage healing post-PRP administration. Our study highlights the probability of PRP in treating knee OA, highlighting their ability to alleviate symptoms, enhance joint function, and promote articular cartilage regeneration.