The Role of Intraarticular Injections of Hyaluronic Acid and Platelet Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Articular Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

The purpose of this in brief article was to determine the current role of intraarticular injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of painful KOA. It has been reported that the average duration of effectiveness (pain relief) of one injection of extended-release HA is around one year. Kellgren-Lawrence grade (I-II versus III-IV), male gender, and older age are associated with a longer duration of effectiveness. Cartilage degeneration might be improved with a higher number of injections of HA. Intraarticular injections of HA alleviate pain, function, and diminish non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) consumption. In addition, several studies have indicated that the combination of HA and PRP is more effective than HA alone. Finally, other studies seemed to demonstrate that PRP was more effective than HA. Level of evidence: III