BY-Jyostna Ramchandra Pawar, Kartik Vasantrao Chavhan.-
Volume 1 Issue 1 (May-Aug) 2024, Article 11 (pp.90-99)
Key Points
Question:
What is the relative effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections compared to corticosteroid injections for alleviating pain and enhancing function in patients with knee osteoarthritis?
Findings:
This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that PRP injections led to significantly greater reductions in pain and improvements in functional ability compared to corticosteroid injections. The analysis included 12 randomized controlled trials with a total of 1,000 participants. PRP demonstrated longer-lasting pain relief and functional gains at 6 months post-treatment, with statistical significance.
Meaning:
PRP injections may provide a more effective option for sustained pain relief and functional enhancement in knee osteoarthritis compared to corticosteroid injections.
Abstract
Importance:
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disorder that greatly affects mobility and quality of life. Effective long-term therapies for managing pain and improving function are crucial in reducing the impact of this condition.
Objective:
This systematic review aims to assess and compare the effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections versus corticosteroid injections in decreasing pain and improving functional outcomes for individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Evidence Review:
A thorough search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, was carried out to cover studies published from January 2010 through December 2023. Search terms included “knee osteoarthritis,” “PRP injections,” and “corticosteroid injections.” The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies that compared PRP with corticosteroids. The quality of selected studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and only studies that met strict inclusion criteria were considered in the review.
Findings:
This review incorporated 12 studies, involving a total of 1,000 participants, with sample sizes ranging between 50 and 200 across the studies. The review included nine randomized controlled trials and three cohort studies. The findings consistently indicated that patients treated with PRP injections achieved greater pain reduction and functional improvement at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-treatment compared to those receiving corticosteroids. PRP demonstrated sustained effectiveness, especially in reducing pain and improving joint function, with statistical significance observed across several studies. Although corticosteroid injections provided short-term benefits, their efficacy declined after 3 months.
Conclusions and Relevance:
PRP injections seem to provide a more effective and longer-lasting treatment for pain relief and functional improvement in knee osteoarthritis compared to corticosteroid injections. These results suggest that PRP could be a preferred treatment option for patients seeking lasting relief. Larger, high-quality RCTs are needed to further confirm these findings and support clinical decision-making.
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