A Prospective Quasi-Randomized Comparative Study between Intra-Articular Platelet-Rich Plasma and Corticosteroid Injection in Mild to Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis in Patients Aged 40–60 Years Evaluation of Pain and Functional Outcomes
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background. Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative condition that leads to chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced joint function. While corticosteroid (CS) injections are commonly used for rapid relief of symptoms, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained attention as a regenerative treatment with potential longer-lasting effects.
Objective. To evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of intra-articular PRP and corticosteroid injections in patients with early-stage knee osteoarthritis.
Methodology. A prospective quasi-randomized comparative study was conducted on 84 patients diagnosed with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1, 2, and 3 knee osteoarthritis. Participants were allocated into two groups: one receiving a PRP injection and the other receiving a corticosteroid injection. Primary outcomes included pain reduction and functional improvement assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at baseline, one week, six weeks, three months, and six months. A p-value of <0.001 was considered statistically significant.
Result. Both treatment groups demonstrated improvement in pain and functional scores following intervention. The corticosteroid group showed more pronounced improvement during the early follow-up period. However, the PRP group exhibited greater and more sustained improvement at later follow-ups, particularly at three and six months, with better overall clinical outcomes.
Conclusion. Corticosteroid injections are effective for immediate relief of symptoms, whereas PRP provides longer-lasting benefits in terms of pain reduction and functional improvement. PRP may therefore be a preferable option for long-term management in patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.
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