Abstract

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) and Chondromalacia.

b. To apply PRP as a conservative treatment option with a demonstrable level of scientific evidence (2b).

Material and Methods: Prospective quasi-experimental before-after study (non-randomized control-trial) on 24 patients with PFPS and Chondromalacia grade 2 or more, who attended to Santa Cristina’s University Hospital, from January 2014 to March 2017. The PRP- protocol consisted of 3-sessions (1 session/week) of an intra articular infiltration of 3ml of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). To get the PRP, Accelerate Concentration System Device® from EXACTECH, EmCyte Anticoagulant Sodium Citrate Solution U.S.P. and Drucker Centrifuge (Series Performance) were used. Pain and Quality of Life were measured by Visual Analogical Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and Mc Master Universities Index for Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) at the beginning / end of treatment.

Results: Average age was 40.3±9.5 years. Women 37.5% (n=9), men 62.5% (n=15). The most frequent Chondromalacia grade was 2nd degree (n=11, 45.8%), followed by 3rd (n=9, 37.5%) and 4th (n=4, 16.6%). Post-puncture erythema and inflammation 4.1% (n=1).

Pain measured by VAS significantly decreased (p<0.0001) from 7.87 to 3.04 points. The WOMAC-pain, WOMAC-stiffness and WOMAC- function subscales decreased significantly (p<0.0001) from 15.12 to 5.95 points, 1.95 to 0.5 and 39.75 to 16.37, respectively.

Conclusion: PRP is safe and improves significantly pain relief, stiffness and function in patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome and Chondromalacia.

The study shows a good level of evidence and grade of recommendation that allows us to consider PRP as a conservative therapeutic option in the treatment of PFPS and chondromalacia.