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Demonstrating the effectiveness of Platelet Rich Plasma and Prolotherapy treatments in knee osteoarthritis

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Abstract

Background

Platelet-rich plasma(PRP) and prolotherapy(PRL) are regenerative treatment approaches in the knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Aim

To see how efficient PRP and PRL are in treating KOA.

Methods

A total of 108 patients with a diagnosis of KOA who received either PRL, PRP, or exercise therapy and whose 3-month follow-up data were available were included in this retrospective study (PRL n = 35 or PRP n = 35, exercise n = 38). Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) and The Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC) were used as outcome measures at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups in terms of demographic parameters, baseline assessments of pain intensity, or WOMAC scores. At the first and third months, all groups showed a substantial improvement in the VAS activity, resting and WOMAC values as compared to before treatment(p < 0.05). When the groups were compared, the VAS activity, resting, and WOMAC values in PRP and PRL improved significantly in the first and third months compared to the exercise group. At one month, there was a statistically significant improvement in VAS activity and WOMAC pain and total scores compared to PRP and PRL, but this improvement was not significant at 3 months.

Conclusion

Pain and disability were significantly improved with PRL and PRP compared with exercise therapy. Although PRP is more effective than PRL in the first month after treatment, PRL may be preferred due to its low cost, long-term efficacy, and low complication rates due to the periarticular application.

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Funding

This study was funded by the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Istanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Kocasinan Merkez Mah. Karadeniz Cad.No 48, 34147, Bahcelievler, Istanbul, Turkey

    Cansın Medin Ceylan

  2. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

    Tugba Sahbaz

  3. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ahi Evran University Medicine Faculty, Kırşehir, Turkey

    Basak Cigdem Karacay

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  1. Cansın Medin Ceylan
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  2. Tugba Sahbaz
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All authors contributed to data analysis, drafting, and critical revision of the publication, and they agree to be responsible for all elements of it.

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Correspondence to Cansın Medin Ceylan.

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Medin Ceylan, C., Sahbaz, T. & Cigdem Karacay, B. Demonstrating the effectiveness of Platelet Rich Plasma and Prolotherapy treatments in knee osteoarthritis. Ir J Med Sci 192, 193–198 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-022-03168-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-022-03168-7

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