PRP and hypertonic glucose injections improve outcomes in patients with early- to middle-stage knee osteoarthritis: a multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection therapy and hyperosmotic glucose hyperplasia therapy are commonly used methods for treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This study evaluates the differences in efficacy and cost-effectiveness between the two therapies.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed 257 patients with knee osteoarthritis from October 2021 to November 2023, and divided them into PRP injection group and hypertonic glucose injection group according to their different treatment methods. All patients underwent a 4-week treatment. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were compared at baseline and 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 weeks after treatment. Additionally, differences in the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores and total expenses during the treatment period were assessed between the two groups at the same time points.

RESULTS

At 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment, the VAS and WOMAC scores of the hypertonic glucose injection group were lower than those of the PRP injection group. Conversely, at 16 and 32 weeks post-treatment, the PRP injection group demonstrated lower VAS and WOMAC scores than the hypertonic glucose injection group. Similarly, SF-36 scores at 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment were higher in the hypertonic glucose injection group, whereas at 16 and 32 weeks, the PRP injection group achieved higher SF-36 scores. Regarding cost-effectiveness, the total cost for the PRP injection group was 362.4, while for the hypertonic glucose injection group, it was 87.4, making the latter more economical.

CONCLUSION

Both PRP and hypertonic glucose injections significantly alleviate knee pain and improve joint function, enhancing patients’ quality of life. However, hypertonic glucose injections demonstrate superior short-term efficacy and lower costs. PRP injections, in contrast, provide better medium- to long-term outcomes.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-025-09077-x.