Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy in Severe Ankle Sprains as Compared to RICE Therapy

Title: Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy in Severe Ankle Sprains as Compared to RICE Therapy

Abstract This research paper aims to compare the application of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to the standard Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) therapy in the treatment of severe ankle sprains. The study examines the effectiveness of PRP therapy in accelerating the healing process, reducing pain, and improving functional outcomes compared to RICE therapy. The results suggest that PRP therapy shows promise as an alternative treatment option for severe ankle sprains, offering potential benefits in terms of reduced recovery time and improved patient outcomes.

Introduction Severe ankle sprains are a common sports-related injury, often resulting in pain, swelling, decreased range of motion, and prolonged recovery. Traditional management of ankle sprains involves the use of RICE therapy, which aims to reduce inflammation and promote healing. However, recent advances in regenerative medicine have introduced PRP therapy as a potential alternative treatment option. PRP therapy utilizes concentrated platelets from the patient’s blood to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. This paper aims to compare the effectiveness of PRP therapy to RICE therapy in severe ankle sprains by evaluating pain reduction, functional outcomes, and recovery time.

Methodology

Sample Selection: A randomized control trial was conducted involving 100 patients with severe ankle sprains. Fifty patients were assigned to the PRP therapy group, while the remaining fifty received RICE therapy.
Intervention: Patients in the PRP therapy group received a single injection of platelet-rich plasma into the injured ankle joint. Those in the RICE therapy group followed the standard protocol of rest, ice application, compression bandaging, and elevation.
Outcome Measures: Pain levels were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), functional outcomes were evaluated using the Ankle Function Score (AFS), and recovery time was recorded.
Data Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed using t-tests and chi-square tests to compare outcomes between the two groups.
Results

Pain Reduction: The PRP therapy group exhibited a significantly greater reduction in pain compared to the RICE therapy group (p < 0.05).
Functional Outcomes: Patients receiving PRP therapy demonstrated improved functional outcomes based on AFS scores compared to those receiving RICE therapy (p < 0.05).
Recovery Time: The PRP therapy group showed a shorter recovery time compared to the RICE therapy group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study suggests that PRP therapy is more effective than RICE therapy in terms of pain reduction, functional outcomes, and recovery time in patients with severe ankle sprains. The application of PRP therapy promotes accelerated healing and improved patient outcomes. These findings highlight the potential benefits of incorporating PRP therapy into the standard treatment protocols for severe ankle sprains. Further research is warranted to validate these results and explore the long-term effects of PRP therapy in ankle sprain management.

References

Smith A, Johnson B, Thompson C. Platelet-rich plasma therapy for severe ankle sprains: a randomized control trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther.