The 3 Phase-Rhizo Protocol: efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of rhizoarthrosis.

BACKGROUND

Thumb osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common hand disabiliting pathology. To date, many therapies are available, with surgery being the last resort. Given the long post surgical rehabilitation period patients often require a "bridge" therapy, in order to surgery. In lasts years Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) has demonstrated interesting anti-inflammatory and anabolic effects when injected intra-articularly, including the trapeziometacarpal thumb joint (TMTJ). However, literature is limited and few standardized methods are available to demonstrate its real effectiveness. The aim of the present study is to evaluate effectiveness of 3 Phase Rhizo Protocol in treatment of Thumb OA.

METHODS

In a two year prospective observational study, 42 patients affected by Stage II-III Thumb OA were treated with the 3 Phase Rhizo Protocol. The desired outcomes, such as pain reduction, increased quality of life and improved hand disfunction, were tested using the Visual Analogue (VAS), Quality of life (QoL) and Quick-Dash (QuickDASH) scores at one, three, six and twelve months.

RESULTS

At one year was, a mean reduction in all scores was achieved, which ranged from 26.33% to 53.05%. All results improved from the first few months after the injection, with lasting effects up to six months, followed by a slight decrease without ever returning to the initial values. All scores data were statistically significant (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The 3 Phase-Rhizo protocol is a useful method for symptomatic rhizarthrosis, especially in the early stages and refractory to standard treatments, as a bridge between conservative therapy and the surgery.