Millions of people worldwide suffer from osteoarthrosis (OA). TKA (Total Knee Arthroplasty) is a common procedure, but it can be costly and cause serious morbidity. Clinical benefits havebeen demonstrated in previous studies that included intra-articular fat injections, bone marrow aspirate, and platelet-rich plasma.
Patients with moderate to severe knee OA would see significant benefits from injections of autologous adipose, BMA, and PRP. This would result in the avoidance of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), in most cases, and the discontinuation of NSAIDs and other drugs.
TKA candidates with moderate knee OA had received conservative treatment. They were offered autologous adipose, BMA, and PRP injections as an alternative to TKA in the office. This was done using a local anesthetic. Before treatment, patients were advised to stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and any other analgesics except acetaminophen.
Before treatment began, patients were assessed with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Score Physical Shortform (KOOSPS), respectively.TKA was avoided by 97% of patients in one year and 86% in two years later.
Six months, one year, and two years after treatment, the mean SANE, KOOS, PS, and WOMAC scores were significantly higher. Two-year post-treatment, WOMAC, and SANE scores were significantly higher than one year.
Conclusions
Combined fat, BMA, and PRP injections are safe and effective treatments for moderate knee OA. They can be used to prevent TKA and provide continued improvement after two years.