The use of ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injections in the treatment of hip osteoarthritis: a systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Purpose: This review aims to determine whether ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection has any role in improving clinical outcomes in patients with hip osteoarthritis. Methods: A search of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence database using the Healthcare Databases Advanced Search tool was conducted. The PubMed database was also utilised to search the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica database, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health and Allied and Complimentary Medicine databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis methodology guidance was employed and a quality assessment was performed using the Jadad score. Results: Three randomised clinical trials met the inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. All three trials were of good quality based on the Jadad score. A total of 115 patients out of 254 received platelet-rich plasma injections under ultrasound guidance. The platelet-rich plasma recipient group included 61 males and 54 females with an age range from 53 to 71 years. Outcome scores show an improvement of symptoms and function maintained up to 12 months following platelet-rich plasma injection. Conclusions: Literature to date concludes that intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injections of the hip, performed under ultrasound guidance to treat hip osteoarthritis, are well tolerated and potentially efficacious in delivering long-term and clinically significant pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with hip osteoarthritis. Larger future trials including a placebo group are required to further evaluate these promising results. Level of evidence: Level I, a systematic review of level I studies.

Keywords

• platelet-rich plasma
• hip joint
• osteoarthritis
• ultrasound guidance injection