Efficacy of Intra Articular Steroid Injection and Platelet Rich Plasma in Patients with Osteoarthrithis

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of intra-articular steroid injection and Platelet rich plasma in patients with Osteoarthrithis.

Methodology: A randomized controlled trail study was conducted at Rheumatology Division of the Department of Medicine, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad after the acceptance of synopsis from  . A total of 122 adult patients with unilateral or bilateral osteoarthritis of knee and were randomized into two treatment groups. In Group I, patients received intra-articular steroid injections and in Group II, patients received platelet rich plasma (PRP). WOMAC score was calculated at baseline and was subsequently assessed after 06 weeks and 3 months.

Results: Age and gender distribution and mean WOMAC and VAS scores were similar in both groups at baseline (p>0.05).  At six weeks, mean WOMAC score in steroid group was 32.1 ± 24.1 and it was 24.9 ± 21.3 in PRP group (P=0.084).  Mean VAS in steroid group was 4.5 ± 2.5 and it was 3.9 ± 2.6 in PRP group (P=0.0.158).  At three months, mean WOMAC score in steroid group was 39.1 ± 24.3 SD and it was 27.1 ± 21.9 SD in PRP group (P=0.005).  At three months, mean VAS in steroid group was 5.6 ± 2.6 and it was 4.1 ± 2.7 in PRP group (P=0.003). 

Conclusions: The study outcomes were better in patients treated with PRP as compared to intra-articular steroid injection. Mean WMOAC and VAS scores were significantly lower after three months in PRP group as compared to steroid group.