Today’s Research Article
Efficacy and Safety of a Single Intra-articular Injection of Platelet-rich Plasma on Pain and Physical Function in Patients With Ankle Osteoarthritis—A Prospective Study
Shu-Fen Sun, MD, Chien-Wei Hsu, MD, Guan-Chyun Lin, PhD, Huey-Shyan Lin, PhD, Yi-Jiun Chou, MD, Shin-Yi Wu, MD, Hung-Ya Huang, MD
Read the full article here.
Summary:
A study conducted in Taiwan evaluated the efficacy and safety of a single intra-articular injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for patients with ankle osteoarthritis (OA). The study included 44 patients with symptomatic ankle OA for at least 6 months. They received a single 3 mL injection of PRP. The primary outcome measured was pain reduction using the visual analog scale (VAS) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot-ankle score, single-leg stance test (SLS), analgesic consumption, and patient satisfaction.
The results showed significant improvements in VAS and AOS scores at 1, 3, and 6 months post-injection. The mean VAS pain score decreased significantly from 4.1 at baseline to 1.8 at 6 months. The mean AOFAS score improved from 80.3 at baseline to 89.7 at 6 months. Significant improvements were also noted in SLS tests, and acetaminophen consumption dropped significantly. No serious adverse events were reported, making this treatment a promising option for ankle OA.
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