Is the Association of Platelet Rich Plasma and Hyaluronic Acid Useful for Severe Knee Arthrosis?

Background: Evaluate the effectiveness of intra-articular injections of platelet rich plasma associated with hyaluronic acid, in severe knee osteoarthritis in elderly patients. By comparing the results of mild and moderate osteoarthritis group (younger) with the severe osteoarthritis group (older). Methods: The treatment was based on a technique which consisted of a superolateral knee injection of 2 mL of xylocaine (1% without constrictor vessel) followed by an injection of 2 mL of hyaluronic acid and an injection of 4 mL of platelet rich plasma. All injections were guided by ultrasound and given in the same site. Comparative analysis of pre and post treatment was performed. Results: No significant difference were obtained between the groups (p value > 0.05), showing that despite having a different Kellgren and Lawrence classification, the two groups showed a similar improvement result. Conclusion: The association of platelet rich plasma and hyaluronic acid in the treatment of knee arthrosis is useful for the improvement of the WOMAC total score, as well as of its subscores (pain, function, and stiffness). Similar results were obtained for patients with severe arthrosis and those with mild and moderate arthrosis.