Management of osteoarthritis with injectable therapies: prp vs. Hyaluronic acid
Keywords:
Osteoarthrosis, Platelet-Rich Plasma, Hyaluronic AcidAbstract
Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease and one of the leading causes of pain and functional disability. Intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are minimally invasive therapies used for OA management. Objectives: This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of PRP and HA in OA treatment, analyzing pain, stiffness, functionality, and duration of therapeutic effects. Methods: A systematic review was conducted based on studies published in the last five years. Out of 352 identified articles, 19 were included. Results: The results indicate that PRP is more effective in reducing pain and improving long-term functionality, with effects lasting up to 12 months. HA proved effective for short-term symptomatic relief, making it a viable option for patients with mild OA. The combination of PRP and HA may offer additional benefits, but its feasibility depends on factors such as cost and availability. Conclusion: It is concluded that both therapies are effective, but PRP demonstrates superiority in the duration of therapeutic effects. Future studies should explore therapeutic combinations and dosage optimization for more personalized treatment.
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