Impacto a corto plazo del ácido hialurónico y plasma rico en plaquetas en lesiones condrales de rodilla: un estudio de cohorte prospectivo

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the effects of using platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid (HA), or their combination on analgesia and functionality in female patients post-operated by arthroscopy for chondral lesions in the knee.

Materials and methods: this was a prospective cohort study involving sixteen female patients with an average age of 52.7 years (SD = 2.84). The exposures evaluated were intra-articular injection of platelet-rich plasma (12.5%), hyaluronic acid (37.5%), and their combination (50.0%). All patients were followed for four weeks post-surgery. Pain, functionality in terms of walking distance and ability to climb and descend stairs, and the results of clinical maneuvers (Appley, McMurray, anterior and posterior drawer) were evaluated.

Results: the average pain decreased significantly from 3 (SD = 1) to 2 (SD = 1) (p = 0.015). In the functional scale of climbing and descending stairs, a significant clinical improvement was observed (p = 0.004), increasing from 12.5% to 62.5% of patients performing this activity without assistance. Positive Appley and McMurray maneuvers for pain showed a decrease, with the latter being significant (p = 0.072 and p = 0.023).

Conclusions: to date, the evidence supporting or rejecting the injection of orthobiologics is scarce and controversial. The results of this study suggest that these interventions may be effective for post-surgical rehabilitation in patients with chondral lesions in the knee, although studies with larger samples and long-term follow-up are needed to reinforce these findings.