Efficacy of arthroscopic cartilage transplantation combined with platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of early knee osteoarthritis: a retrospective cohort study.

Abstract

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative disease that leads to functional decline in the knee joint and a significant reduction in quality of life. Arthroscopic cartilage transplantation combined with platelet-rich plasma (ACT-PRP) has emerged as a novel treatment method and is gradually being applied to patients with early KOA. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of ACT-PRP compared to conventional conservative treatment.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with KOA who were treated in the Department of Orthopedics at the First People's Hospital of Lianyungang from January 2020 to January 2022 were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: the ACT-PRP group, receiving arthroscopic cartilage transplantation combined with PRP, and the conservative treatment group, receiving standard conservative treatment. All patients were followed for six months, and knee function and pain relief were assessed using the Lysholm score, IKDC score, KOOS, and VAS.

Results: A total of 113 patients were enrolled, with 43 in the ACT-PRP group and 70 in the conservative treatment group. Baseline characteristics showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). At the final follow-up, the ACT-PRP group showed greater improvements in knee function and pain relief compared to the conservative treatment group, with significantly higher Lysholm score (P < 0.001), IKDC score (P < 0.001), and KOOS (P < 0.001), and lower VAS (P < 0.001). These findings suggest the ACT-PRP approach is more effective for early knee osteoarthritis.

Conclusions: Arthroscopic cartilage transplantation combined with platelet-rich plasma is significantly superior to conventional conservative treatment in improving knee function, alleviating pain, and enhancing patient satisfaction, making it a recommended option for early KOA.