Objective: To explore the utilization of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for degenerative cartilage processes and evaluate whether there is sufficient evidence to better define its potential effects. Design: Systematic literature reviews were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane electronic databases till May 2015, using the keywords "platelet-rich plasma OR PRP OR autologous conditioned plasma OR ACP AND cartilage OR chondrocyte OR chondrogenesis OR osteoarthritis (OA) OR arthritis." Results: The final result yielded 29 articles. Twenty-six studies examined PRP administration for knee OA and 3 involved PRP administration for hip OA. The results included 9 prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (8 knee and 1 hip), 4 prospective comparative studies, 14 case series, and 2 retrospective comparative studies. Hyaluronic acid (HA) was used as a control in 11 studies (7 RCTs, 2 prospective comparative studies, and 2 retrospective cohort). Overall, all RCTs reported on improved symptoms compared to baseline scores. Only 2 RCTs-one for knee and one for hip-did not report significant superiority of PRP compared to the control group (HA). Nine out of 11 HA controlled studies showed significant better results in the PRP groups. A trend toward better results for PRP injections in patients with early knee OA and young age was observed; however, lack of uniformity was evident in terms of indications, inclusion criteria, and pathology definitions in the different studies. Conclusion: Current clinical evidence supports the benefit in PRP treatment for knee and hip OA, proven to temporarily relieve pain and improve function of the involved joint with superior results compared with several alternative treatments. Further research to establish the optimal preparation protocol and characteristics of PRP injections for OA is needed.
Objective:In vitro and in vivo studies have proven a pro-anabolic and anti-catabolic activity within cartilage with the use of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs). This has piqued interest of sports physicians for its use in the treatment of early osteoarthritis (OA). The aim was to determine if the use of PEMFs in patients with early OA of the knee would lead to an improved clinical outcome.Study design:Prospective case series.Methods:Twenty-two patients aged between 30 and 60 years who underwent treatment with PEMFs (4-hour treatment per day, duration 45 days) were included. All patients presented with symptomatic early OA with grade 0-2 changes (Kellgren-Lawrence classification) at the pretreatment evaluation. Patients were evaluated before treatment, at 1- and 2-year follow-up using visual analogue scale for pain, International Knee Documentation Committee objective, Tegner, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores.Results:A significant improvement in all scores was observed at 1-year follow-up (P = 0.008). At 2-year follow-up, results deteriorated but were still superior to pretreatment levels (P = 0.02). No adverse reactions or side effects were seen.Conclusions:This study showed that the use of PEMFs in patients with symptomatic early OA of the knee led to significant improvement in symptoms, knee function, and activity at 1-year follow-up. There was a significant decline in all the scores at 2-year follow-up.
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