Intra-Articular Injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Knee Osteoarthritis: Unique Application Versus Triple Application
Intra-Articular Injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Knee Osteoarthritis: Unique Application Versus Triple Application
The investigators include patients attending the outpatient clinic in the area of Orthopedics
 and Traumatology of the investigators hospital with a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis, which
 treatment is medical. Patients will be divided into two groups. In both groups, they will be
 given verbal, clear and detailed information on the approach to follow, the intra-articular
 application of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the knee, plus rehabilitation exercises. In the first
 group will be held single application, while in the second group three applications will be
 made at an interval of two weeks each. Both groups will be assessed before and after
 application, together with outpatient follow-up by the SF-12 Health Survey (SF-12), Western
 Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
Osteoarthritis (OA ) refers to a clinical syndrome of joint pain with a multifactorial
 etiology , with the gradual loss of articular cartilage, osteophytosis formation, subchondral
 bone remodeling and inflammation of the joint. Is the most common cause of knee pain, and one
 of the leading causes of disability and dependence of the adult population that generates
 large expenditures in the area of health.

 The clinical diagnosis of OA is primarily clinical - radiological, based on a complete
 medical history and physical examination directed. No laboratory studies are routinely
 requested since there is no specific diagnostic test or pathognomonic for diagnosis. Physical
 examination is most important.

 The ideal treatment is a multidisciplinary one, and must meet the objectives of achieving
 anesthesia, reduce disability and improve joint function and patient's quality life, with low
 toxicity of drugs. Several conservative treatments are recommended by clinical guidelines.
 Some nonpharmacologic measures are: patient education, exercise, weight loss, modification of
 footwear, using the local cryotherapy, acupuncture and electromagnetic therapy. Drug therapy
 can be summarized in paracetamol, NSAIDs, opioids, and slow-acting drugs. If these oral drugs
 do not work can be administered intra-articularly (corticosteroids, viscosupplementation
 products, and blood derivates).

 Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a rich source of growth factors such as Platelet-derived growth
 factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor β (TGF- β ), vascular endothelial growth factor
 (VEGF), like growth factor type I insulin (IGF- I), vascular endothelial growth factor (EGF),
 among others. For these growth factors are released, the platelets need to be activated by
 substances such as calcium chloride, calcium gluconate or thrombin. Once activated , growth
 factors are secreted, reaching a peak concentration 10 minutes. It is known that GF, PDGF and
 TGF -B stimulate chondrogenesis helping solving clinical manifestations of patients studied.

 The investigators include patients attending the outpatient clinic in the area of Orthopedics
 and Traumatology of our hospital with a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis, which treatment is
 medical. Patients will be divided into two groups. In both groups, they will be given verbal,
 clear and detailed information on the approach to follow, the intra-articular application of
 Platelet-Rich Plasma in the knee, plus rehabilitation exercises. In the first group will be
 held single application, while in the second group three applications will be made at an
 interval of two weeks each. Both groups will be assessed before and after application,
 together with outpatient follow-up by the SF-12, WOMAC and Visual Analogue Scale.

 The PRP would be obtained through previous an asepsis and antisepsis of the patient's arm,
 30cc of blood form the Basilic vein would be extracted.

 Each sample will initially centrifuged at 1800 rpm for 10 minutes in a centrifuge and the
 sample would be separated into three layers : 1- Red Cell (lower) White 2- (plasma rich in
 growth factors) Yellow 3- ( plasma poor in growth factors ).1000 ul PRP ( yellow layer ) is
 extracted by placing it in 15 mL Falcon tubes for subsequently performing a second step of
 centrifugation at 3400 rpm for 12 minutes. The top layer of platelet poor plasma is removed
 and stayed with the lower layer, the PRP (3-5 mL ) . Before application in the patient's
 knee,calcium gluconate 10% was added, 0.15 mL per milliliter of PRP obtained. The sample then
 would be aspirated with a 10 mL syringe for the application to the patient.

 After asepsis and antisepsis of where the puncture site , sterile drapes were placed clearing
 the workspace, the PRP is injected with a technique 45 ° at the corner superior- lateral
 patellar, reaching the joint capsule. Once injected the PRP, a sterile pad on the application
 area will be placed.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Age between 18 and 90 years

 -  Patients with no previous treatment

 -  Patients with Knee osteoarthritis grade 1-2 ( Kellgren-Lawrence based on radiographic
 findings)

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Age <18 and > 90 years

 -  Patients with Knee osteoarthritis grade 3-4 ( Kellgren-Lawrence based on radiographic
 findings)

 -  Patients with asociated Rheumatic syndromes

 -  Patients with anticoagulant therapy

 -  Patients with hepatic problems, Diabetes Mellitus, Coagulopathy, hearth conditions,
 immunodepressed, or infections

 -  Pregnant patients

 -  Patients with prosthetic or orthotic.

 -  Patients with hemoglobin values < 11g/dl , platelets < 150,000/μL