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Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research

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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Knee Osteoarthritis | Study Protocol

The varying clinical effectiveness of single, three and five intraarticular injections of platelet-rich plasma in knee osteoarthritis

Authors: Weisheng Zhuang, Tianshu Li, Yuefang Li, Ying Zhang, Jiahuan Gao, Xu Wang, Qixin Ding, Wanyue Li

Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the variations in clinical effectiveness among patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis who underwent intra-articular administration of platelet-rich plasma using single, triple, or quintuple injections.

Methods

One hundred twenty patients with grade I-III knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to three groups: PRP1 group, who received a single injection of platelet-rich plasma; PRP3 group, who received three PRP injections one week apart; PRP5 group, who received five PRP injections one week apart. The patients’ conditions were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index-VA3.1 version (WOMAC-VA3.1) at baseline and 6, 12, 24, and 52 weeks 52 weeks follow up.

Results

Out of the total participants, 106 patients (30 males and 76 females) completed the study. The primary outcome measure, WOMAC pain score, registered significant improvements across all groups when compared to pre-treatment levels. However, the application of 3 and 5 injections of platelet-rich plasma was substantially more effective than that of a single injection in reducing knee pain and stiffness, as well as enhancing physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. No statistically discernable difference was observed between PRP3 and PRP5 at all follow-up intervals, and there was no discernable difference between 3 and 5 PRP injections either. Mild side effects occurred in all three groups.

Conclusions

The administration of three or five injections of platelet-rich plasma is safe, substantially more effective than single injections, and leads to remarkable clinical improvement by significantly reducing knee pain, improving joint stiffness, and enhancing physical function in patients with grade I-III knee osteoarthritis. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed in the efficacy of three or five injections. Therefore, we recommend using three injections of PRP in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis of grade I-III.

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Title: The varying clinical effectiveness of single, three and five intraarticular injections of platelet-rich plasma in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Weisheng Zhuang
Tianshu Li
Yuefang Li
Ying Zhang
Jiahuan Gao
Xu Wang
Qixin Ding
Wanyue Li
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee Osteoarthritis
Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1749-799X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-024-04736-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The varying clinical effectiveness of single, three and five intraarticular injections of platelet-rich plasma in knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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