Rheumatology (Oxford). 2012 Jan;51(1):144-50. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/ker303. Epub 2011 Nov 10.

Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injections for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip.

Sánchez M, Guadilla J, Fiz N, Andia I.
Departamento de Investigación, Osakidetza, Basque Health Service, B° Arteaga 107, 48170 Zamudio, Vizcaya.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To assess the safety and symptomatic changes of IA injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in patients with OA of the hip.
METHODS:
Forty patients affected by monolateral severe hip OA were included in the study. Each joint received three IA injections of PRP, which were administered once a week. The primary end point was meaningful pain relief, which was described as a reduction in pain intensity of at least 30% from baseline levels as evaluated by the WOMAC subscale at 6-months post-treatment. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Harris hip score subscale for pain were used to verify the results. Secondary end points included changes in the level of disability of at least 30% and the percentage of positive responders, i.e. the number of patients that achieved a >30% reduction in pain and disability.
RESULTS:
Statistically significant reductions in VAS, WOMAC and Harris hip subscores for pain and function were reported at 7 weeks and 6 months (P < 0.05). Twenty-three (57.5%) patients reported a clinically relevant reduction of pain (45%, range 30-71%) as assessed by the WOMAC subscale. Sixteen (40%) of these patients were classified as excellent responders who showed an early pain reduction at 6-7 weeks, which was sustained at 6 months, and a parallel reduction of disability. Side effects were negligible and were limited to a sensation of heaviness in the injection site.
CONCLUSIONS:
This preliminary non-controlled prospective study supported the safety, tolerability and efficacy of PRP injections for pain relief and improved function in a limited number of patients with OA of the hip.
PMID:
22075062
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2012 Feb;20(2):393-8. doi: 10.1007/s00167-011-1587-9. Epub 2011 Jun 22.

Arthroscopic management and platelet-rich plasma therapy for avascular necrosis of the hip.

Guadilla J, Fiz N, Andia I, Sánchez M.
Source
Unidad de Cirugía Artroscópica, UCA Mikel Sánchez, Clínica USP-La Esperanza, c/La Esperanza 3, 01002 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
Abstract
PURPOSE:
The purpose is to describe a noninvasive arthroscopic procedure as an alternative to open surgery for avascular necrosis of the hip.
METHODS:
Patients with grade I or IIA avascular necrosis of the hip are treated by core decompression performed by drilling under fluoroscopic guidance. Liquid platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is delivered through a trocar, saturating the necrotic area. In more severe conditions, the necrotic bone is decompressed and debrided, through a cortical window at the head-neck junction. A composite graft made of autologous bone and PRP is delivered by impactation through the core decompression track. Fibrin membranes are applied to enhance healing of the head-neck window and arthroscopic portals. Platelet-rich plasma is infiltrated in the central compartment.
RESULTS:
This arthroscopic approach aids in making diagnosis of the labrum and articular cartilage and permits intra-operative treatment decisions. Visual control permits the precise localization and treatment for the necrotic area allowing cartilage integrity to be preserved.
CONCLUSIONS:
Arthroscopic management of avascular necrosis of the femoral head is viable and has significant advantages. Clinical studies should justify the theoretical additional benefits of this approach.
PMID:
21695463
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]