ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) injections in early-stage gonarthrosis.

MATERIAL and METHODS

Radiographs were examined retrospectively, and 60 patients with Kellgren Lawrence Stage 1, 2, and 3 were included in the study. Twentyeight patients were administered HA, and 32 patients were administered PRP. PRP injections were administered three times in total with two-week intervals, while the HA injection was used once. The initial, 1-month, and 6-month follow-up records were obtained. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) (pain, stiffness, physical function) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were evaluated.

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference was observed between the HA and PRP groups. When the WOMAC scores were evaluated, it was seen that the function, joint stiffness, and overall WOMAC scores were positively affected in both the groups; however, there was no difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

PRP is a novel treatment option in knee osteoarthritis (OA) management, and an increasing number of clinical studies have shown promising results. Both PRP and HA have positive effect in patients with early gonarthrosis; however, the results indicated no superiority in the PRP group.