Effects of ultrasound guided leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (LR-PRP) injection in patients with pes anserinus tendinobursitis

Abstract Objectives To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound guided leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (LR-PRP) injection in patients with pes anserinus tendinobursitis(PATB). Methods A prospective, randomized and single-blinded study of 60 patients with PATB were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Whereas 2 ml LR-PRP injection was applied to one grup, once accompanied by ultrasonography (USG), 2 ml LR-PRP injection was applied to the other group accompanied by USG twice with a one-week interval. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), 6-minute walking test (6MWT), Likert Scale were evaluated pre-treatment, at the 4th and 12th weeks after treatment. Results There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, body mass index, duration of symptoms, affected side. When both groups are compared within themselves before and after treatment, there was a significant improvement in all VAS, in all WOMAC subgroups, 6MWT, at the 4th and 12th weeks after treatment. When the two groups are compared with each other, there was no statistical difference. In addition, when all patients were evaluated with Likert scale in the 12th week after treatment, complete healing in 22(36.7%) patients, significant relief in 25(41.7%) patients, mild relief in 4(6.7%) patients, 5(8.3%) same as before treatment patients, and worsened pain in 4(6.7%) patients were seen. Conclusion Both single-dose and double-dose local LR-PRP is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with PATB syndrome. We believe that once LR-PRP injection may be sufficient for the treatment efficacy in PATB.