Treatment of knee osteoarthritis with platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

Injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one of the methods currently applied in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. This method aims to support pain relief, improve motor function, and promote the recovery of injured tissue through a natural biological mechanism derived from the patient's own autologous blood.

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders today. This condition occurs when the protective cartilage layer in the knee joint wears down over time, reducing the ability to cushion and protect the joint during movement.

The disease is common in middle-aged and elderly people. According to statistics, approximately 73% of people over 55 show signs of knee osteoarthritis [1]. In addition to age factors, individuals with a history of knee injuries, overweight, or obesity are also at high risk due to prolonged pressure on the joint.

Common symptoms include:

• Knee pain and soreness
• Joint stiffness after periods of rest
• Swelling and inflammation around the joint
• Reduced mobility
• Difficulty walking or going up and down stairs

If not properly monitored and treated, knee osteoarthritis can progress over time, significantly affecting the quality of life.

What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a biological product extracted from the patient's own autologous blood. After a centrifugation process, the obtained plasma fraction contains a higher concentration of platelets and growth factors than normal.

Platelets play a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration. Growth factors in PRP can support:

• Stimulating the recovery process of injured tissue
• Promoting collagen production
• Supporting the reduction of inflammatory responses in the joint
• Improving the biological environment within the knee joint

In the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, PRP is injected directly into the joint to help improve symptoms and enhance motor function.

The role of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

Site of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection

Many studies show that platelet-rich plasma can help improve pain symptoms and joint function in certain patients with knee osteoarthritis, especially in mild to moderate stages.

Growth factors released from PRP are believed to have the ability to support:

• Reducing joint inflammation
• Slowing down the cartilage degeneration process
• Improving joint flexibility
• Supporting daily activities and mobility

According to aggregated data from PMC in 2022, approximately 60–80% of patients receiving PRP injections reported improvements in pain symptoms and joint function within a period of 6 months to 1 year [2]. A report from Sports Medicine Update 2024 also showed that over 70% of patients had a positive response following PRP injections [3].

However, treatment efficacy may vary depending on the degree of joint degeneration, physical condition, and individual patient response. Examination and evaluation by a specialist are necessary to select the appropriate method.

Advantages of platelet-rich plasma injection therapy

• Minimally invasive, using autologous blood: PRP uses the patient's own blood, thereby limiting the risk of immune reactions or allergies. This is a minimally invasive method that requires no surgery.
• Supporting long-term symptom improvement: Beyond pain relief, PRP also aims to support the healing environment of joint tissues, thereby contributing to improved motor function.
• Applicable across multiple disease stages: Platelet-rich plasma injection can be considered at various stages of knee osteoarthritis, particularly in patient groups not yet indicated for joint replacement surgery.

Precautions after platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection

After receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection, patients should follow the doctor's instructions to support the recovery process:

• Limit strenuous activity: During the first 24–48 hours post-injection, avoid activities that place high stress on the knee joint.
• Apply ice in case of mild swelling: If mild swelling or discomfort occurs, cold compresses can be applied to reduce symptoms. Patients should consult a doctor before using anti-inflammatory pain relievers.
• Maintain a proper nutritional regimen
• Supplementing foods rich in collagen, omega-3, and vitamin D can support musculoskeletal health.
• Perform rehabilitation exercises: After a few days, patients can perform gentle movement exercises or physical therapy as instructed to maintain joint flexibility.
• Periodic follow-up examinations: Follow-up visits help the doctor evaluate treatment response and adjust the care plan if necessary.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is considered a biological approach in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. This method can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance the quality of life in appropriate patient groups.

However, treatment effectiveness still depends on many factors such as the degree of degeneration, health status, and personalized treatment regimens. Patients should be examined at a specialized facility to receive advice on the appropriate method.

References:

[1] WHO - Osteoarthritis

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/osteoarthritis

[2] Platelet Rich Plasma Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment: A Prospective Clinical Study

 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9099616/

[3] AOSSM - Platelet-Rich Plasma for Osteoarthritis in 2024 – More Hype

https://www.sportsmed.org/membership/sports-medicine-update/spring-2024/platelet-rich-plasma-for-osteoarthritis-in-2024