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Preparation, Procedures and Evaluation of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Published on: January 4, 2019
Autologous platelet gel in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized study
Wieger G Horstmann1, Robert Slappendel, Gijs G van Hellemondt
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kennemer Gasthuis, Location E.G., P.O. Box 417, 2000 AK Haarlem, The Netherlands. WGHorstmann@kg.nl
Summary
Autologous platelet gel (APG) showed no statistically significant benefit in this pilot study for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Further research is needed to determine APG
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can lead to significant postoperative blood loss, pain, and delayed wound healing.
- Autologous platelet gel (APG) is proposed to mitigate these complications by enhancing hemostasis and promoting tissue repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of APG in reducing blood loss, pain, and improving wound healing after TKA.
- To assess the impact of APG on range of motion and hospital stay in TKA patients.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, observer-blind controlled pilot study involving 40 osteoarthritis patients undergoing TKA.
- Patients were randomized into two groups: one receiving APG application and a control group without APG.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in hemoglobin levels or need for allogenic blood transfusions between groups.
- Haematomas were smaller in the APG group (P=0.03), and pain scores were lower on day 3 (P=0.04).
- Wound healing disturbances occurred in the control group but not in the APG group; range of motion and hospital stay were similar.
Conclusions:
- While some subjective improvements were noted, APG did not demonstrate statistically significant clinical benefits in this pilot study.
- The use of surgical drains may have diluted APG's effect.
- Larger studies without drains are recommended to further investigate APG's potential in TKA.
