Effect of platelet-rich plasma injections versus placebo on pain and quality of life in patients with hip osteoarthritis: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial

Objectives: This study aims to compare the efficacy of intra-articular platelet -rich plasma (PRP) injections over a saline placebo in terms of reduction of pain and impact on quality of life among patients with hip osteoarthritis. Patients and methods: A total of 60 patients (29 males, 31 females, mean age: 57.9 +/- 7.3 years; range, 47 to 69 years) with known hip osteoarthritis of Kellgren-Lawrance (KL) Grades 2/3 were randomized into placebo (n=30) and PRP groups (n=30) between June 2014 and June 2015. Both groups received intra-articular injections into the hip joint under ultrasound guidance for three consecutive weeks. The patients were followed for six months, and pain reduction was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire, and Short Form Health Survey -36 (SF -36). Results: Intra-articular PRP treatment showed no advantage over a saline placebo in terms of VAS scores during activity. Both groups showed a significant improvement in VAS activity scores at one and six months. The placebo group showed improvements in VAS resting scores, whereas the PRP group did not. Both groups showed no improvement in WOMAC-total scores. Both groups showed no significant improvement across most SF -36 domains with the exception of improved physical role functioning at one month and general health at one and six months in the placebo group. Conclusion: Intra-articular injections of PRP show no significant difference compared to a saline placebo over a period of six months on pain, function, and quality of life scores in patients with hip osteoarthritis.