Use of autologous platelet-rich plasma in knee osteoarthritis symptomatic treatment

Abstract

Among the conservative methods of treatment of osteoarthritis the use of plasma enriched with soluble platelet factors /platelet-rich plasma (PORFT/PRP) is becoming increasingly attractive.The aim of the study was to determine the tolerability and effect of intra-articular administration of standardized autologous PRP on patients with knee osteoarthritis status based on the survey results. Patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) received standard drug therapy (n = 19) or additionally standardized autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) (n = 21). Intraarticular injection of 6 ml of PRP was carried out three times every two weeks. The administration safety was assessed. Patients were questioned with an assessment of VAS and WOMAC scales in 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months after starting the treatment. It was shown that three-time intra-articular administration of standardized autologous PRP was safe for a patient. At the same time, the pain syndrome decreased (VAS score) and the knee joint function improved (WOMAC score) after 1 and 3 months. All indicators were significantly better compared to the control group. We concluded that standardized autologous PORFT with three intra-articular injections is safe and has an analgesic effect and preserves the function of the knee joint already within 1–3 months of observation.