| Objective To observe the therapeutic effects of intra-articular pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in early to mid-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA) and their influence on relevant serum biomarkers, and to explore the underlying mechanisms of these two treatment modalities.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 76 patients with early to mid-stage knee OA treated at our department from August 2019 to January 2022. Patients were divided into the PRF group (n=40) and the PRP group (n=36) based on the different treatment methods. Visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) scores were assessed before treatment, and at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment to evaluate clinical efficacy. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), type Ⅱ collagen and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) were measured in both groups before and 3 months after treatment to explore possible mechanisms of action.Results The follow-up period was 6-9 months, with an average of (7.12±2.09) months. At 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment, VAS and WOMAC scores significantly improved in both groups compared to baseline (P<0.05). At 1 and 3 months after treatment, the improvement in VAS score was more significant in the PRF group compared to the PRP group, with statistically significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05). At 3 months after treatment, significant changes in IL-6, IL-1β, TGF-β1, and BMP-2 levels were observed in the PRF group compared to baseline, and in the PRP group, significant changes in IL-6, IL-1β, TGF-β1, COMP, type Ⅱ collagen, and BMP-2 levels were observed in the PRP group compared to baseline, with statistically significant between-group differences (P<0.05). Moreover, the changes in COMP, type Ⅱ collagen, and BMP-2 levels were more significant in the PRP group compared to the PRF group, with statistically significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05).Conclusion Both PRF and PRP are effective in improving pain and joint function in patients with early to mid-stage knee OA, with PRF demonstrating more significant short-term analgesic effects. The mechanisms of action of these two treatments may be associated with the inhibition of joint inflammation, and PRP may possess certain chondral repair potential. |
