Effectiveness of Intra-Articular Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) In Isolated Patellofemoral Arthritis

Abstract Background: Adults commonly develop isolated patellofemoral arthritis (PFA). It has been suggested that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may be beneficial in the conservative treatment of tibiofemoral knee osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this study is to compare patient complaints prior to and following PRP injection for PFA during conservative treatment.Materials and methods: This study included eighteen female patients with unilateral PFA between the ages of 25 and 40 years. They received a single dose of PRP injections after failing to respond to conservative treatment. The outcome measures, which included VAS and Kujala scores, were compared to a matched group of eighteen patients managed conservatively but successfully. Both groups received the same physiotherapy regimen, and all patients were followed for one year until the final assessment.Results: At the final follow-up, the PRP group's VAS scale was significantly improved compared to their pre-injection status, with a p-value of < 0.001. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the PRP and the non-PRP groups that improved with conservative treatment (p>0.9). Comparable results were obtained when the two groups' Kujala scores were compared.Conclusion: Patients with isolated patellofemoral arthritis who do not respond to conservative treatment may benefit from a single PRP injection, which may postpone or eliminate the need for surgical treatment.