The Effectiveness of Treating Osgood–Schlatter Disease (OSD) with Leukocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma (LR-PRP) Depending on the Duration of the Disease

Abstract

Background: Osgood–Schlatter disease (OSD) occurs mainly in physically active adolescents, causing significant physical activity restrictions. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of treating OSD with leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (LR-PRP) depending on the duration of the disease and to attempt to develop an alternative treatment method to the currently used conservative therapy. Methods: Treatment efficacy was evaluated using the VAS, Tegner, Lysholm, and KOOS scales. Subject satisfaction, return to sports activity, potential adverse effects, and X-ray evaluation were likewise used to assess the success of the procedure. Results: Analysis across all scales showed statistically significant treatment effectiveness with LR-PRP in both groups of patients. When comparing the two groups, significantly better treatment outcomes were achieved in the acute phase of OSD. Treatment satisfaction in the acute OSD group was 95%, compared to 64% in the chronic group. The MCID value after LR-PRP injection in acute OSD compared to chronic OSD reached 100% vs. 81% on the VAS scale, 95.5% vs. 55% on the Tegner scale, 95% vs. 47% on the Lysholm scale and 91% vs. 27% on the KOOS scale. No adverse effects were recorded in either group. Conclusions: The high efficacy of LR-PRP treatment in patients with acute OSD, in correlation with high safety, as well as rapid and lasting results, can be an effective and beneficial alternative to conservative treatment. This single procedure seems particularly justified in a group of young professional athletes, where absence from training can lead to serious consequences.