Platelet-Rich Plasma in Osteoarthritis of Knee: A Retrospective Study on Functional Improvement and Quality of Life

Title: Platelet-Rich Plasma in Osteoarthritis of Knee: A Retrospective Study on Functional Improvement and Quality of Life

Aim: To study the outcome of using Platelet-rich plasma in pain relief for patients with Osteoarthritis of knee joints

Primary objectives:

To quantitatively evaluate the reduction in knee joint pain following intra-articular administration of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis.

To assess the extent of functional improvement post-PRP intervention in individuals with knee osteoarthritis, in terms of gait ability, joint range of motion, and performance in activities of daily living.

To compare clinical outcomes between patients with Grade 2 and Grade 3 (based on Kellgren-Lawrence classification) osteoarthritis of the knee, based on the, with respect to pain reduction and functional enhancement following PRP therapy.

Secondary objectives:

To assess improvement of quality of life (QOL) after PRP.

To identify factors influencing treatment response, such as age, BMI, baseline severity of symptoms, or comorbidities.

To evaluate the effect of home environment and living situation on outcomes in patients with OA knee.

To analyze the duration of symptomatic relief and functional gains post-PRP injection over the follow-up period.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common progressive degenerative condition affecting weightbearing joints, commonly the knee joints. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) refers to a portion of plasma that contains a platelet concentration significantly higher than that found in normal peripheral blood. It is prepared by centrifuging a sample of the patient’s blood at high speed, which separates the red blood cells from the plasma. Various growth factors and cytokines are released after the degranulation of platelets and to accelerate cartilage matrix synthesis, restrain synovial membrane inflammation, and promote cartilage healing. Owing to the properties of regenerative effect and anti-inflammatory potential, PRP is widely used in musculoskeletal diseases, such as OA knee.

Materials and Methods

Study Type: Retrospective study

Study duration: 6 months

Study Design: This study will be conducted in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Eligibility criteria:

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients with Osteoarthritis of knee upto Grade 3 according to Kellgren Lawrence radiological grading

Patients who have received PRP intra articular injections

Age more than 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients who were not compliant, lost to follow-up

Patient with multiple comorbidities like uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus, Coronary Artery Disease, Chronic Kidney disease.

Patients with inflammatory diseases, such as Axial spondyloarthropathy, Rheumatoid arthritis etc.

Procedure: Patients who had visited the out-patient and in-patient Dept of PMR during the time period of May 2022 till May 2025 have been included in the study.

Demographic details and evaluation of history, complete physical examination, values of functional scales (NPRS, WOMAC, KOOS scales) will be noted in a working case proforma.

The subjects’ response of change of severity of pain will be assessed using Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Assessment of function and ability to carry out ADL will be assessed using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS).

Data collection: Data collection of outcome variables will be done at baseline, 1month, 3months and 6 months on OPD visits, following the first admission in IPD.