Outcomes in Regenerative Medicine for Knee Osteoarthritis

Research ObjectivesThe current evidence regarding the efficacy of regenerative injections on the improvement of function, pain, and other related symptoms of knee osteoarthritis remains to be highly controversial. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcomes of individuals who have received regenerative injections for symptomatic knee OA.DesignCase series.SettingThe Non-Surgical Center of Texas in San Antonio, Texas (private practice).ParticipantsTen participants' reports were collected from the Non-Surgical Center of Texas in San with symptomatic knee OA to observe the clinical outcomes of regenerative medicine injections between 2018 to 2021. All participants were treated with PRP or prolotherapy injections. Each patient received 1 to 7 injections, in and out of series, based on medical advice, patient-reported pain, and severity of symptoms during functional activity.InterventionsAll participants were treated with PRP or prolotherapy injections. Each patient received 1 to 7 injections, in and out of series, based on medical advice, patient-reported pain, and severity of symptoms during functional activity.Main Outcome MeasuresVisual analog scale (VAS) and manual muscle testing (MMT).ResultsOverall, there was a statistically significant reduction in pain using the VAS (p< 0.05). However, results did not show an improvement in pain with an increased number of injections. Of the ten patients, 8 had an MMT baseline of 5/5 knee flexion and extension while the other 2 patients began at 4/5 MMT. At follow-up visits, 80% of patients demonstrated improvement in pain and strength of symptomatic knee OA. The participant perspectives expressed positive benefits from regenerative injections in regard to their overall function, pain, and quality of life.ConclusionsThe results suggest regenerative medicine injections are an effective conservative treatment for symptomatic knee OA. Regenerative injections appear to be beneficial for improved knee function however further studies are needed to observe long-term effects for continued benefits.Author(s) DisclosuresJulie B. Barnett is the academic mentor for the project and physical therapist at the Non-Surigcal Center of Texas.