Pulsed Radiofrequency and Platelet Rich Plasma in Degenerative Joint Arthritis: Two Case Reports and Literature Analyses

Abstract

(1) Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating joint disease. The are several therapies available for OA. According to current knowledge, the combination of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) can be applied in the treatment of pain of nociceptive origin due to peripheral tissue damage. (2) Methods: We performed a narrative review identifying the articles by searching electronic databases. A retrospective analysis of patients with OA treated with PRF and PRP in “Vito Fazzi” Hospital (Lecce, Italy) was performed. (3) Results: A total of four publications on the use of PRP and PRF in degenerative joint arthritis were included in our review. In our experience, two patients with OA were treated with PRP and PRF after unsuccessful conservative treatment. Patient pain score, daily activity ability, active range of activity, and muscle strength improved after treatment. Patients reported a higher level of satisfaction. No major adverse events were reported. (4) Conclusions: The goal of the combined application of the two treatments is to make full use of the analgesic effect of PRF and the repairing effect of PRP. At present, the therapeutic potential of PRP and PRF in OA remains unmet.

Effects of Adding Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) among Patients with Rotator Cuff Partial Tear: A Prospective Randomized Comparative Study

“…PRP is a concentrated solution of platelets that is rich in growth factors, showing the ability to facilitate angiogenesis, neuroprotection, neural regeneration, regulation of inflammation with broad therapeutic applications [17,[32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42]. Comparative studies have shown the clinical advantages of PRP injection for patients with incomplete RC tears.…”

Application of cord blood-derived platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of diseases

“…Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a preparation that is rich in platelets, fibrinogen, fibrin, chemokines and leukocytes with a platelet concentration of at least 1 000 000 platelets/μl, which is usually five-times higher than normal levels. 1 PRP offers anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties through angiogenesis, cell differentiation and proliferation. 2 Traditionally, PRP was mainly derived from adult peripheral blood and was used for the treatment of autologous diseases.…”