Evaluating the Effectiveness of Intra-articular Platelet Rich Plasma Injections for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequently presented joint disorder, and its treatment is often challenging. Current literature has controversial results regarding the efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma therapy (PRP) when compared to placebo injections. This systematic review investigates the role of intra-articular PRP injections as a recommended treatment option for knee OA with the potential to establish appropriate guidelines for treating physicians. Method: This review used PUBMED, Cochrane and CINHAL database. A thorough review of literature examining PRP injections as treatment options for knee OA was performed. Two independent reviewers evaluated the studies against inclusion and exclusion criterias. The WOMAC stiffness score, VAS Score, and KOOS score were used to assess efficacy of PRP treatment. Twelve articles met the criteria for inclusion and were analysed in this study. Results: PRP injections caused a significantly better improvement in WOMAC stiffness score (25.5%), VAS Score (31.7%), and KOOS score (6.2%) after six months of treatment. Conclusion: This review demonstrated significant improvement in pain relief and stiffness levels in patients with knee OA receiving intra-articular PPR when compared to placebo. Further research is required to establish the optimum dose and duration of treatment with PRP injections for knee OA.