T2 mapping evaluation of changes in cartilage matrix after PRP and HA injection therapy in knee osteoarthritis: a prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study
Abstract BackgroundIn this study we focused on evaluating the effect of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) on the qualitative and quantitative properties of the articular cartilage in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsWe evaluated 264 patients undergoing treatment of moderate knee OA. Patients aged between 40 and 70 years were included with articular K-L stage ≤ 2. Patients were randomized into three groups and treated with three doses of intra-articular PRP, HA, or placebo injection. Patients were evaluated clinically and by using T2 mapping.ResultsBoth PRP (619.05 ± 243 ms; p = 2.7 × 10− 5) and HA (637.12 ± 273 ms; p = 1.×10− 4) group showed statistically significant lower post-application T2 relaxation times in comparison to the placebo group (859.80 ± 406 ms).Cartilage thickness increased significantly after PRP (2.41±0.87 vs. 2.58±0.97 mm, p=0.033) and HA (2.28±0.81 vs. 2.80±1.00 mm, p=1.8×10) applications. There was a significant decrease in WOMAC pain score by 30% (p=0,001) and the overall WOMAC score by 27 p=1.9×10-4%) in PRP group. The decrease in WOMAC pain score and the overall WOMAC score in the placebo group was similar to the results observed in the PRP group. In the HA group a significant decrease in WOMAC pain score by 14% (p=0,005) was observed only at the first follow-up, whereas no difference was observed at the second follow-up. ConclusionsT2 mapping of cartilage tissue may aid to monitor its properties after the intra-articular therapies in knee OA. However, there is a discrepancy between clinical findings and the results of T2 mapping, suggesting questionable grounds for applying intra-articular therapy.