Vol. 11, Issue 3 (2025)

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disorder causing pain and disability. Intra-articular corticosteroid (CS) injections provide short-term relief, while plateletrich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a regenerative option with potentially longer benefits. Objective: To compare the efficacy of intra-articular corticosteroid versus PRP injections in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Methods: A prospective randomized comparative study was conducted on 60 patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-III knee OA. Group A (n = 30) received a single intra-articular corticosteroid injection (triamcinolone acetonide 40 mg). Group B (n = 30) received three PRP injections at weekly intervals. Outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Results: Both groups showed significant pain reduction at 6 weeks. Group A improved from 7.2± 1.0 to 3.1±1.2, while Group B improved from 7.4±1.1 to 3.4±1.0 (p > 0.05). At 3 and 6 months, PRP maintained superior improvement (VAS 2.1±0.9; WOMAC 34.2±6.5) compared to corticosteroid (VAS 4.5±1.2; WOMAC 51.7±8.3) (p<0.01). Conclusion: Corticosteroid injection provides faster short-term relief, but PRP offers sustained pain relief and functional improvement in knee osteoarthritis.