Comparison of platelet-rich plasma vs hyaluronic acid injection in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background: The present study was conducted to compare platelet-rich plasma vs hyaluronic acid injection in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Materials & Methods: This study was conducted on 240 patients of Knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Patients were divided into 2 groups of 120 each. Group I patients were treated with intra-articular injection of 2 ml autologous PRP (PRP group). Group II patients were treated by using intra-articular injections of low molecular weight (hyaluronic acid [HA]) (32mg/2mL) of HA. All patients received 3 injections with one week interval. The subjective clinical outcome was measured.

Results: Out of 240 patients, males were 140 and females were 100. The mean VAS core in group I was 3.4 and in group II was 5.6. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Scores of patients and in group I only 15 had extreme and in group II 40 had extreme pain. Stiffness was extreme in 10 in group I and 35 in group II. While comparing, extreme pain was present in 20 in group I and 35 in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).