Outcome of Intra-Articular Injections of Platelets Rich Plasma with Hyaluronic Acid in Osteoarthritis of Knee

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint disorder characterized by pain, stiffness, and reduced function. Intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) (Cellular Matrix™ PRP-HA) have emerged as promising nonsurgical treatment options aimed at improving symptoms and delaying disease progression. Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety profile of intra-articular PRP combined with HA in patients with KOA. Methods: This longitudinal, single-centre study was conducted at the Department of Rheumatology, PAF Hospital, Islamabad, over a six-month period. A total of 20 patients aged 40–75 years with radiographically confirmed KOA (Kellgren–Lawrence grades I–IV) were enrolled via purposive sampling. Each patient received two intra-articular injections of PRP combined with HA prepared with cellular matrix tube in a specialized centrifuge machine on days 1 and 90. Functional and pain outcomes were assessed via the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analogue scale (VAS), and other clinical parameters at three time points: baseline and 90 and 90 days post after the final injection (Day 180). Repeated measures ANOVA was used for statistical analysis Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in most functional activities and clinical scores. The difficulty scores decreased from 49.30 ± 5.89 to 29.95 ± 15.40 (F = 13.12, p < 0.0001), the pain scores decreased from 14.05 ± 2.56 to 8.50 ± 4.47 (F = 10.85, p = 0.0001), and the VAS scores decreased from 7.40 ± 1.23 to 4.10 ± 1.52 (F = 29.55, p < 0.0001). The WOMAC score improved from 69.10 ± 7.60 to 41.90 ± 20.38 (F = 14.32, p < 0.0001). The radiological grade remained unchanged (p = 0.135). Adverse effects were minimal, with only 3 patients (15%) reporting mild, transient symptoms. Conclusion: PRP combined with HA significantly reduces pain and improves functional outcomes in patients with KOA, with an excellent safety profile, making it a viable alternative to surgical intervention in selected cases.