Mid-Term Effectiveness of Ozone (O2-O3) Compared to Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Parallel Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: A randomized parallel controlled trial was designed to compare efficacy of ozone (O2-O3) against platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as intra-articular infiltrations in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Methods: Tertiary-level outpatient rehabilitation service. Subjects: Fifty-four patients with knee OA grades 2 a -4 a according to Kellgren-Lawrence scale were included after obtaining an informed consent. The target sample size was 27 patients per group. Intervention: Patients received four ozone (intervention group) or three platelet-rich plasma (control group) intra-articular infiltrations at a one-week interval. Outcome measures: Patients were clinically and functionally evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS pain) and by Western Ontario and Mac Master index for osteoarthritis (WOMAC) at baseline and at two months follow-up. Pain, stiffness, function, and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated outcome variables. Results: Overall, 27 patients were randomly allocated to the intervention group (ozone) and 27 to the control group (PRP). Improvement in pain, function, and QoL were observed in both groups without a statistical difference (P > 0.05). Stiffness improvement was significant between similar and different treatment groups (P < 0.05). No side-effects were observed in either group. Conclusions: Ozone (O2-O3) is as effective as PRP in the management of knee OA. Both interventions improved pain, function, and QoL with no statistical difference between them.

Effectiveness of High-intensity Laser Therapy for Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Knee OA management has evolved from pharmacological administration alone to the inclusion of therapeutic exercise with or without physical modalities, such as electrical stimulation, thermal agents, therapeutic ultrasound, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) (6)(7)(8)(9)(10). Moreover, ozone and platelet-rich plasma have been reported to be effective for pain reduction and function improvement in knee OA (11).…”