SAJITH S,SABARISHWARAN ,SANJAY R,BALAJI M B,S. VIMAL,DR.J. JEEVARATHAN
DOI: https://doi.org/Aim:
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a progressive, degenerative joint disorder leading to chronic pain,stiffness, and functional disability among older adults. The disease process involves a complex interplay of mechanical, biochemical, and genetic factors that result in cartilage degradation and joint space narrowing. Intra-articular injections have gained popularity in patients unresponsive to
conservative measures and include corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and growth factor concentrates (GFC). This study is conducted to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of intraarticular corticosteroid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and growth factor concentrate (GFC) injections in the management of knee osteoarthritis.
Materials and Methods:
This prospective comparative study was conducted at Saveetha Medical College over a 2-year period from January 2023 to January 2025. A total of 150 patients with Kellgren-Lawrence Grade I–III primary knee osteoarthritis were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 50 each). Group A received a single intra-articular injection of triamcinolone acetonide (40 mg/mL), Group B received 5 mL of autologous PRP, and Group C received 5 mL of autologous GFC. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Patient satisfaction and adverse events were also recorded.
Results:
All three groups showed initial improvement in pain and function. At 6 months, Group C (GFC) demonstrated the most significant and sustained improvement in VAS (3.3 ± 0.8) and WOMAC scores (33.2 ± 4.3), followed by Group B (PRP) with VAS 4.1 ± 1.2 and WOMAC 39.1 ± 5.8, and Group A (Steroid) with VAS 5.9 ± 1.3 and WOMAC 51.6 ± 6.7 (p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction was highest in the GFC group (70% highly satisfied), and no serious adverse events were observed.
Conclusion:
Growth factor concentrate (GFC) injections provided the most effective and sustained pain relief and functional improvement among the three treatment options studied. PRP was moderately effective, while corticosteroids offered only short-term benefit. GFC can be considered a promising biological therapy for early to moderate knee osteoarthritis.
