Protocol for the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis Pre- and Post-Regenerative Injection

Research Objectives: The objective of this study was to develop a comprehensive rehabilitation protocol for management of knee osteoarthritis (OA) pre- and post-regenerative injection in order to maximize patient outcomes.

Design: This was a retrospective pre-post study.

Setting: Research was conducted at The Non-Surgical Center of Texas, an outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine facility in San Antonio, Texas.

Participants: 10 subjects, 2 males and 8 females, diagnosed with knee OA that received at least 1 dose of Protein-rich Plasma (PRP), Prolotherapy, or a combination, along with physical therapy interventions pre- and post-injection.

Interventions: A literature review was conducted to identify and assess currently available protocols for the management of knee OA pre- and post-regenerative injection, as well as identification of interventions supported by best available evidence. Additionally, a chart review was conducted to document pre- and post-interventions for patients with knee OA undergoing regenerative injections.

Main Outcome Measures: The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used as an assessment of patient pain levels and patient tolerance of rehabilitation.

Results: This study resulted in the proposed rehabilitation protocol for the management of knee OA prior and following regenerative injection.

Conclusions: The utilization of regenerative injections in conjunction with rehabilitation pre- and post-injection has considerable potential for the management of symptomatic knee OA. The proposed rehabilitation protocol provides guidelines for an effective non-surgical option for the management of knee OA that is cost-effective and low risk.

Author(s) Disclosures: No financial interests to disclose.