PRP-Hyaluronic Acid Injection for Early Knee Osteoarthritis

Ultrasound-Guided PRP & Hyaluronic Acid Injections represent innovative approaches in managing early knee osteoarthritis, providing pain relief, improving joint function, and slowing disease progression.

What is Early Knee Osteoarthritis and what are its symptoms?

The knee joint is one of the most burdened joints in the human body, as it withstands significant loads during movement and weight-bearing. This continuous strain increases the likelihood of cartilage degeneration and the development of osteoarthritis in the area.

Early knee osteoarthritis refers to the initial stages of this degenerative condition. At this stage, cartilage wear begins progressively, accompanied by mild inflammation and distinct but not extensive structural changes in the joint. Unlike advanced osteoarthritis, where there is significant cartilage loss and joint deformation, the early stage presents milder symptoms and less noticeable damage. The symptoms of early knee osteoarthritis include:

Mild pain: Occurs mainly after prolonged activity, such as walking or climbing stairs.
Stiffness: Slight difficulty in fully bending or extending the knee, particularly noticeable after sleep or prolonged inactivity.
Occasional swelling: Caused by mild inflammation in the joint.
Joint crepitus: A sensation of grinding, clicking, or friction when moving the knee.
Difficulty performing movements: Activities that place strain on the knee joint, such as running or deep squatting, may become more challenging.

Since osteoarthritis is in its early stages, symptoms appear periodically and are usually manageable. However, if left untreated, the condition can progress, leading to more severe joint degeneration.

What is an Ultrasound-Guided PRP Injection for Early Knee Osteoarthritis?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy uses the patient’s own blood to promote tissue healing and regeneration. The procedure involves drawing a small amount of blood, which is then centrifuged to separate the platelet-rich plasma. This plasma is injected into the knee joint, where the platelets release growth factors that stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and support cartilage health.

Ultrasound-guided PRP injections have been shown to be particularly effective in treating early knee osteoarthritis by:

Promoting cartilage repair: The growth factors in PRP promote chondrocyte regeneration, aiding in the restoration of damaged cartilage.
Reducing inflammation and pain: PRP acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, alleviating inflammation.
Slowing disease progression: Due to its regenerative properties, PRP can help delay the transition to more advanced osteoarthritis stages.

What is an Ultrasound-Guided Hyaluronic Acid Injection for Early Knee Osteoarthritis?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of synovial fluid that helps lubricate the joint and absorb shock. In osteoarthritis, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the joint decreases, affecting its function. An ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injection helps replenish this deficiency and provides the following therapeutic benefits:

Restores joint lubrication: Replenishing hyaluronic acid levels helps restore normal joint lubrication.
Enhances shock absorption: Hyaluronic acid protects cartilage from further wear by reducing pressure on the joint.
Improves mobility: The treatment enhances knee function, allowing patients to move more comfortably.
Slows disease progression: Similar to PRP, hyaluronic acid injections help slow cartilage degeneration.

What is the Role of Ultrasound Guidance in Injectable Treatments for Early Knee Osteoarthritis?

Ultrasound guidance is essential for any intra-articular injection, as "blind" (non-ultrasound-guided) needle placement carries the risk of injuring surrounding tissues and failing to deliver the medication. Ultrasound allows a specialized radiologist to monitor the needle's placement in real time within the joint, ensuring that the injection is performed with accuracy and safety. This optimizes the treatment’s therapeutic benefits and minimizes the risk of complications.

Which patients can benefit from Ultrasound-Guided PRP-Hyaluronic Acid Injections?

PRP-hyaluronic acid injections are suitable for patients with early knee osteoarthritis who experience mild to moderate pain and functional limitations. Since these treatments are minimally invasive, they are an ideal option for individuals seeking to avoid or delay surgery.

Like all ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal treatments, knee osteoarthritis injections are performed under local anesthesia and are well tolerated by patients. The procedure lasts approximately 30 minutes for a hyaluronic acid injection and 45 minutes for a PRP injection. Most patients can resume their daily activities on the same day.

Testimonials

An excellent scientist with advanced knowledge, capable of diagnosing damage caused by rheumatic diseases and thus contributing to their effective treatment. I hope there are more scientists like her so that patients can continue to enjoy a good quality of life, as these diseases are incurable.

Alexia S.
I visited Ms. Plagou for a health problem I had with my right Achilles tendon. I congratulate her for her scientific expertise and her unique approach with patients. I thank her very much, and she deserves many congratulations, as do her polite associates.

Nestoras N.
As a surgeon I must simply say, UNBELIEVABLE!! Within 15 minutes I was completely rid of the intense discomfort in my shoulder that had been bothering me for several years. My shoulder feels as it was 10 years ago. Zero pain, incredibly free movement. Congratulations, Mrs. Plagou.

Dr. Dimitrios Alexopoulos
I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Athena Plagou. With the Barbotage method she applied, she relieved me from terrible pains I had been suffering from for several months due to calcifications in my shoulder.

Before I learned about Dr. Plagou, I had tried cortisone injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and anti-inflammatory medications. Unfortunately, nothing yielded results.

I underwent the Βarbotage procedure in her clinic, very easily and painlessly. When it was over, I had stopped feeling any pain, and it has been three years since then without the slightest discomfort.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Mary P.
State-of-the-art clinic and equipment, exceptional doctor with extensive experience and impressive specialization.

Eirini D.
Ms. Plagou is an excellent scientist with accurate diagnoses, distinguished in her field, and an exceptional person at the same time. She deserves congratulations!

Dr. Chrysovalantou Souhlaki
I had been suffering from Calcific Tendonitis in my left shoulder for over three months, resulting in severe pain. Before I learned about Ms. Plagou, I had tried anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, physiotherapy, all without success, and I was on the verge of serious surgery with doubtful outcomes.

I underwent Barbotage in her clinic very easily, quickly, and painlessly. As soon as the brief procedure was over, my pain ceased, I slept well, and I quickly resumed all my activities.

I want to thank Ms. Plagou both for the impeccable handling of my problem stemming from her excellent scientific training, as well as for her kindness and friendly demeanor.

Zoe K.
I am very grateful to Dr. Athena Plagou. With her high specialization and professionalism, she accurately diagnosed and successfully treated the tendonitis I suffered from in both of my shoulders.

Other specialists I had consulted previously had suggested arthroscopy, which I did not want to undergo due to my age (86) and because the treatment was not guaranteed.

With the special method used by Dr. Plagou, the fluid causing the pain was absorbed, and the pain was immediately relieved without recurrence for the past four months. Besides her high specialization and effectiveness, Dr. Plagou is also very friendly and fully explains to patients the cause of the problem and the treatment process. Her assistant is also very friendly and efficient. Sincere thanks again.

Nikos K.
Her experience, her thoroughness and her love for what she does make her one of a kind. My daughter suffered for months with pain in her wrist. Having visited several orthopedists, having done magnetic resonance imaging and x-rays, only Mrs. Plagou found that she had fluid in her wrist and referred us to a pediatric rheumatologist.

I recommend her. Her assistant is also extremely helpful and kind.

Katerina A.
I want to publicly thank my colleague Athena Plagou for her immediate and effective intervention to treat the problem in my shoulder. The Barbotage method she applied, and in which she is specialized, quickly relieved me from the painful symptoms of Calcific Tendonitis. The return to my daily routine was immediate.

Dr. Vicky Bizimi