Clinical Outcomes and Exploratory MRI T2 Mapping Findings Following Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Case Series

This study aimed to assess clinical outcomes and exploratory MRI T2 mapping changes following platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). This retrospective case series included 47 patients with Kellgren–Lawrence stage 2–3 knee osteoarthritis who underwent intraarticular PRP injection and were followed for 6 months. Clinical outcomes, including pain (VAS), functional status (WOMAC), quality of life (SF-36), knee range of motion (flexion), and the Timed Up and Go test, were obtained from medical records before and after treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 mapping of the meniscus was also analyzed. At 6 months, significant improvements were observed in VAS, WOMAC, SF-36 physical function, pain, physical role limitation, social function, and knee flexion (p<0.05). No significant changes were found in the Timed Up and Go test, or several SF-36 subdomains. MRI T2 mapping showed a decrease in T2 relaxation time in the medial meniscus anterior horn (p=0.047); however, this finding did not remain statistically significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons (Bonferroni-adjusted p=0.188). PRP injections were associated with improvements in pain, functional outcomes, and selected quality-of-life parameters in patients with knee OA. MRI T2 mapping findings should be considered exploratory and do not provide conclusive evidence of meniscal tissue repair or regeneration. Furthermore, due to the retrospective design and lack of a control group, a causal relationship cannot be established. Prospective controlled studies are required to confirm these findings.