Intra-articular autologous conditioned plasma reduces pain in early osteoarthritis and improves stiffness in advanced osteoarthritis knee: a prospective observation

Abstract

Background: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of single-dose intra-articular autologous conditioned plasma injection as the treatment for early and advanced osteoarthritis knee. Methods: A single centre-based prospective observational analysis was conducted among patients who opt for conservative management by intra-articular autologous conditioned plasma Injection between July 2022 to June 2023. Total 46 patients were included and analysed in study on 1, 3, and 6 months’ follow-up after ACP injection. The WOMAC score and its sub scores were analysed and compared pre-procedure and on subsequent follow ups. Results: A total of 46 patients were analysed in the study, with male predominance of 56.5% with mean BMI of 27.37±5.35. On KL grading, 34.8% patients had KL grade II Osteoarthritis, 52.2% had grade III and 13.0% had grade IV. On comparison of WOMAC score and its sub-scales, all the values were found to be statically significant while comparing before injection (p value <0.0001) and one month follow up and before injection and six months’ follow-up (p value <0.0001). Conclusions: Six months following intra-articular autologous conditioned plasma injection, there was a noteworthy decrease in pain in early stages of osteoarthritis and improvement in knee stiffness in advanced stages of osteoarthritis as compared to the pre-treatment state.