The Effectiveness of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Osteoarthritis of the Hip: A Retrospective Analysis

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a minimally invasive treatment option to reduce pain and promote tissue healing. At the time this study was performed, there was limited published literature analyzing outcomes for patients treated with PRP for hip osteoarthritis.

Methods: Thirty-six patients aged 49-85 (66.0 ± 12.1) years with chronic hip pain who met inclusion criteria underwent image-guided intra-articular hip PRP injection. Outcomes were measured at baseline, two weeks, three months, and up to six months using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS). The proportion of responders, as defined by a ≥50% reduction in VAS pain score, was assessed at three and six months.

Results: At two weeks, there was a significant improvement (P < 0.05) of function in two HOOS subscales: Symptoms and Activities of Daily Living. There was a significant improvement in all HOOS categories at six months. A significant improvement in VAS was observed at six months (baseline VAS = 6.9 ± 0.7 &→ 4.3 ± 1.8, 95% confidence interval = 2.0 to 3.2, P < 0.05). Sixty-seven percent (24/36) of the patients reported a ≥50% improvement in pain at three months; 58% (21/36) reported a ≥50% improvement in pain at six months. Stratification by Kellgren-Lawrence grades revealed that 86% and 82% of the KL grades 1 and 2 were responders at six months, respectively.

Conclusions: In patients with mild/moderate hip osteoarthritis, PRP may provide pain relief and functional improvement for up to six months.