The efficacy of platelet rich plasma and prolotherapy in chondromalacia patella treatment

Objective: Chondromalacia patella (CMP) is a frequently seen musculoskeletal disorder. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is considerably useful in sports injuries. Prolotherapy (PrT) is a regenerative injection technique used in chronic musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study is to compare PRP and PrT therapies in CMP treatment.

Materials and Methods: Seventy five patients with CMP symptoms refractory to three months of conservative treatment methods were included in this study. The patients were divided into PRP (n= 38) and PrT (n= 37) groups. A questionnaire has been applied, VAS scores, Tegner and Lysholm knee scores (TLS) were obtained. They were repeated three, six weeks after the beginning of treatment, and 12 months following the treatment. A standard 12-week exercise program was prescribed to all of the patients.

Results: Pain and knee functions improved significantly after a minimum one year of follow-up in both groups (p˂ 0.05). However, PRP was superior to PrT in terms of pain level during exercise, range of motion, crepitus, total number of medications, VAS and TLS (p= 0.004, p= 0.038, p˂ 0.001, p= 0.003, p= 0.001 and p= 0.026 respectively).

Conclusions: PRP and PrT therapies applied with exercise were shown to be effective in CMP treatment; however PRP therapy seems to be more effective than PrT.