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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
07:51
Effects of Allogeneic Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) on the Healing Process of Sectioned Achilles Tendons of Rats: A Methodological Description
Published on: March 19, 2018
Anatomic ACL reconstruction: does the platelet-rich plasma accelerate tendon healing?
Alcindo Silva1, Ricardo Sampaio
1Military Hospital D. Pedro V, Avenida da Boavista, 4050-113, Porto, Portugal. alcindosilva@netcabo.pt
Summary
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) did not accelerate tendon-to-bone healing in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. This study found no significant difference in healing based on PRP application timing or activation method.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Regenerative medicine
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Hamstring tendon grafts are increasingly used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
- Slow tendon-to-bone healing can delay patient return to sports.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is investigated for its potential to enhance tissue healing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on tendon-to-bone healing in ACL reconstruction.
- To compare different PRP application methods and timing.
- To assess healing via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the fibrous interzone (FIZ).
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 40 patients undergoing anatomic ACL reconstruction.
- Four groups: no PRP, PRP in femoral tunnels, PRP in tunnels and intra-articular, thrombin-activated PRP.
- MRI of the knee at 3 months post-surgery to assess FIZ signal intensity.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in fibrous interzone (FIZ) signal intensity was observed among the four groups.
- PRP application did not appear to influence tendon-to-bone healing at the 3-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in femoral tunnels or intra-articular did not demonstrate a measurable benefit in accelerating tendon-to-bone healing at 3 months post-ACL reconstruction.
- Further research may be needed to explore optimal PRP protocols or alternative healing enhancement strategies.
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01:16Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis
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01:22Formation of the Platelet Plug
The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...