Catastrophic complication after intra-articular injection of platelet-rich plasma – Case report
Year: 2023
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: To report an unusual complication of a modern and popular treatment choice for early osteoarthritis of the knee. A 49-year-old female patient presented to our clinic with a history of knee pain for 6 months. She was treated conservatively with physical therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, despite which her pain did not resolve. The patient, after a proper discussion about the modalities of further treatment, opted to go for an intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injection. After proper counseling, both knees were given intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma. Eight hours after receiving intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injection the patient was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of pain and inflammation of the left knee alone. The symptoms persisted even after conservative management. Magnetic resonance imaging was done which showed changes in synovitis with bone marrow edema in both the tibia and femoral condyles. Since her symptoms deteriorated, she was advised to undergo an arthroscopic left knee debridement with a synovectomy. Laboratory and histopathological studies did not reveal any sign of infection. Once the clinical picture was resolved, the patient was able to resume an earlier activity level. Although intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injections have been reported to be safe and have a few reports of minor adverse effects such as temporary increasing pain, this case proves the need for further research into published and hidden complications of this, otherwise “safe” procedure.
Source: Journal of Orthopaedic Reports
Authors: Vijay Shetty, Clevio Desouza
Language: English
Subfield: Periodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $600
OpenAlex ID: W4388562575