Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel: a technical note

Evidence suggesting that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may have a potential for augmenting tissue healing has been growing recently. However, its local application technique has not been well established. Because of saline irrigation for keeping clear vision during arthroscopic procedures, it appears unreasonable to apply PRP in liquid form. We describe a technique of PRP gel application in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. It does not require any special instruments nor a long additional time. It can be easily performed with routine arthroscopic instruments such as a regular knot pusher, a 5.5 mm metal cannula, and a regular 8.0 mm cannula. With this technique, the PRP gels could be accurately and reproducibly placed in the repair site without concerns of loss or tearing off during delivery under a direct vision without closing the inflow. We suggest that this technique could be useful for arthroscopic application of PRP gels.