PLATELET-RICH PLASMA VERSUS HYALURONIC ACID IN THE TREATMENT OF PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF CURRENT EVIDENCE

Kacper Szpanelewski; Radosław  Kołodziej; Anna Kołodziej; Szymon Lulek; Jakub Klecha; Szczepan Półchłopek; Emilia Kucab; Katarzyna  Dziki; Izabella  Kula; Joanna Ciemięga

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5643

Authors

Kacper Szpanelewski Saint Queen Jadwiga Clinical Regional Hospital in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2517-4535
Radosław Kołodziej Saint Queen Jadwiga Clinical Regional Hospital in Rzeszów, Rzeszów Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1767-5956
Anna Kołodziej Saint Queen Jadwiga Clinical Regional Hospital in Rzeszów, Rzeszów Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0969-5211
Szymon Lulek Saint Queen Jadwiga Clinical Regional Hospital in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3827-2907
Jakub Klecha Saint Queen Jadwiga Clinical Regional Hospital in Rzeszów, Rzeszów Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8909-9181
Szczepan Półchłopek City Hospital of John Paul II in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1188-2830
Emilia Kucab University Clinical Hospital F.Chopin in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4320-6327
Katarzyna Dziki University Clinical Hospital F.Chopin in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9380-1244
Izabella Kula City Hospital of John Paul II in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7379-5062
Joanna Ciemięga University of Rzeszów: Rzeszów, Rzeszów Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0041-1671

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5643

Keywords:

Knee Osteoarthritis, PRP, Platelet-Rich Plasma, Hyaluronic Acid, Biological Treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis of the knee (gonarthrosis) is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and disability in adults and the elderly. In recent years, there has been growing interest in biological treatment methods, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which contain growth factors that can stimulate regenerative processes and modulate inflammation. Viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid also remains a commonly used method.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze current data on the effectiveness of PRP in the treatment of pain in gonarthrosis and to compare its effects with hyaluronic acid therapy.

Materials and Methods: A literature review was conducted, including randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews on the use of PRP and hyaluronic acid in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Recent publications and key fundamental studies were included.

Results: Both PRP and hyaluronic acid demonstrate effectiveness in reducing pain and improving joint function in knee osteoarthritis. However, numerous studies directly comparing the two treatments indicate that PRP is more effective, particularly at longer follow-up. For example, PRP therapy is associated with a greater reduction in pain on the VAS scale and greater improvements in WOMAC and IKDC scores than hyaluronic acid. The enhanced effects of PRP are most notable in patients with early- and moderate-stage disease.

Conclusions: PRP is a beneficial treatment option for knee osteoarthritis and, based on current comparative studies, may offer more durable symptom improvement than hyaluronic acid. However, further research is necessary to standardize treatment protocols and confirm long-term comparative effectiveness.

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