Öz
Objective: Platelet-rich plasma applications have recently become one of the non-surgical treatments in knee osteoarthritis. It has been shown to be superior to treatments such as placebo and prolotherapy. However, it is not entirely clear whether its effect on early or late knee osteoarthritis varies. In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of single dose platelet-rich plasma administration in patients with different stages of knee osteoarthritis.
Material and Methods: A total of 80 patients who received a single dose of platelet-rich plasma to a single knee joint and whose Lysholm knee functionality score questionnaires were filled before injection were included in the study. Knee radiographies of all patients were evaluated according to Kellgren-Lawrence classification. Stage I and II osteoarthritic patients were included in Group 1 whereas Stage III and IV osteoarthritic patients were included in Group 2. Knee scores of all patients acquired before and after injection therapies were evaluated. Demographic data were also evaluated. All data obtained were compared between two groups using statistical analysis ANOVA.
Results: Scores of both groups were increased as compared to pre-injection scores. Better results were obtained in both groups in terms of pain and functionality. When the changes in scores before and after injection of both groups were compared, the first group had a better result statistically (p<0,05).
Conclusion: Platelet-rich plasma application was more effective in early stage osteoarthritic patients. Single dose administration has been found to be effective in pain control and functionality. However, in case of late stage osteoarthritis, a minimum dose of 3 injections should be administered or other treatment modalities can be tried.