Intra-articular autologous platelet lysates produce positive MRI structural changes in early and intermediate knee osteoarthrosis

Abstract: Introduction: The purpose of this study is to explore if autologous platelet lysate (PL) delivered by percutaneous intra-articular method can induce positive structural changes as detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with early and intermediate knee osteoarthrosis (KOA). Design: Open label prospective study. Materials and Methods: 15 adult patients of either gender withunilateralor bilateralearly to intermediate KOAand imaging findings whether radiography or MRIof degenerative changes in the joint of grade I or grade II Kellgren scale with an age range from 35-70 years were includedin this study. Autologous PL was obtained by physical method. ThePL was given in the knee joint via percutaneous route every 3 weeks for a total of three injections. All patients underwent baseline andat12 months MRI evaluation to assess and compare cartilage morphology and thickness at baseline and at fifty two weeks. Plain radiographs were performed at baseline and at 12 months.  Here we report imaging findings of thesepatientsaftercompleting MRI evaluation. Results : Quantitative MRI demonstrated significant improvement in cartilage thickness for both tibial plate (p= 0.044) and femoral plate (p= 0.028) at twelve months following PL injection. Conclusion : Percutaneous intra-articular PL given to patients with early and intermediate KOA producessignificant improvement in the thickness of the knee cartilage as measured by MRI. Keywords: Osteoarthrosis,plateletslysate,knee,cartilage,MRI.