ARTHRITIS. OUCH.
TRY AN INTRA-ARTICULAR
INJECTION
We know that arthritis pain can be demoralizing and negatively impact one’s quality of life. PRP intra-articular injection is an established treatment option for individuals with mild to moderate knee OA.
An intra-articular injection is a very effective form of treatment where medicine is delivered directly into the joint with the primary objective of relieving pain from conditions such as arthritis.
Intra-articular injections are usually recommended when the pain has not responded to traditional conservative treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, activity modification, or ice therapy.
WHAT TYPE OF
INJECTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
There are various types of intra-articular injections. Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend an intra-articular injection of one of the following:
WHAT IS
ARTHROCENTESIS?
Arthrocentesis is a procedure where excess joint fluid is removed with a needle that is inserted into the joint space. It is done to reduce swelling and pain in the joint. Usually, after removing the excess fluid from the joint, your doctor will use the same puncture site to inject a corticosteroid preparation or anesthetic to further alleviate pain and inflammation.
INDICATIONS
Intra-articular injections are commonly used for KNEE conditions due to
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
Intra-articular knee injections are a relatively safe procedure. However, as with any procedure, there may be certain risks and complications such as:
- Infection at the injection site
- Reaction at the injection site
- Pain or swelling at the injection site
- Septic arthritis
- Acute arthritis
- Inflammation of the joint lining
- Nerve Injury
SOURCES AND STUDIES
There is a substantial body of evidence which shows the benefit of PRP over placebo, or hyaluronic acid (HA), and corticosteroid injections.
READ MORE
Tentative evidence supports its use in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.
READ MORE
A 2019 meta-analysis found that PRP might be more effective in reducing pain and improving function than hyaluronic acid in knee OA.
READ MORE
A study published in the “American Journal of Sports Medicine” in 2013 titled “Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis” indicated potential benefits in reducing pain and improving function in knee osteoarthritis.
READ MORE
The effects of platelet‐rich plasma injections in different stages of knee osteoarthritis – 2022
All patient with knee OA who received PRP noted benefit, improved pain and functional scores. But more mild disease noted the best relief.
Clinical Efficacy of Intra-Articular Injection with P-PRP Versus that of L-PRP in Treating Knee Cartilage Lesion: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Orthop Surg. 2023
Short-term results demonstrate positive effect in reducing pain, improving function in patients with knee cartilage lesions in both groups. While P-PRP injection showed better clinical efficacy in early phase of postop rehab and resulted in fewer adverse events, long-term follow-up showed similar, weakened efficacy after 12 months.
READ MORE
Effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma combined with sodium hyaluronate on clinical efficacy and serum inflammatory factors in patients with knee osteoarthritis – 2022
Intra-articular injection of PRP combined with HA in the treatment of knee arthritis can significantly reduce symptoms of knee joint pain, improve knee joint function and in vivo inflammatory response.
READ MORE
Platelet-Rich Plasma for Intra-articular Injections: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence – 2023.
While controversies remain on best PRP formulation, clinical studies support benefits of PRP, with functional improvement, reduction of pain up to 12 months, especially in young patients and early OA
READ MORE
