Abstract
: INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis of the knee (also called degenerative joint disease and osteoarthrosis) (4) is the most common joint disease after 50 years of age. It is characterized by progressive loss of articular cartilage (4) with subchondral bone sclerosis, osteophyte formation, inflammation of synovial membrane, and an increase in the synovial fluid with decreased viscosity and lubrication properties One approach to regenerative therapy is to supply affected joints with either autologous chondrocytes or chondrogenic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (9) (BMSC) in combinations with platelet rich plasma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our study we treated 65 cases of osteoarthritis of knees in different age groups. Inour study moderate to severe arthritis cases were studied. Among 65 cases, 45 were females, 20 were males. Among the test group of 65 cases of age group ranging to 56-87yrs, 45 patients were with unilateral knee joint involvement, 10 patients were with bilateral knee joint involvement. On the other side a Control group consists of 50 cases: 30 with unilateral knee joint involvement, 10 patients with bilateral knee joint involvement.
RESULTS: Both the groups were observed from time to time and analyzed based on the pain scores at 3 days, 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months intervals. At 3days- No difference in the pain scores and mobility noted in both the groups. At 1 week- Improvement in pain scores with increase in mobility reported in 59 of 65 cases in test group. On the other side, improvement in pain scores reported in 41 of 50 cases in control group. At 4 weeks- Improvement in pain scores reported in 63 of 65 cases in test group. And 44 of 50 cases in control group. At 3 months- Improvement in pain scores reported in 62 cases in test group and 30 cases in control group. At 6 months- Improvement in pain scores reported in 56 cases in test group and 26 cases in control group. CONCLUSION: PRP and stem cells injections in to the osteoarthritic knees, produces good results and safe. If the patient is not opting for surgical procedures and this is the only better treatment modality for controlling the pain and improvement of joint function. Hence use of PRP and stem cells injections in osteoarthritic patients is great value in preventing the further damage of the cartilage. By repairing the damaged cartilage with the PRP and stem cells, pain is greatly reduced, increase in the function of joint and patients will have better quality of life.
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