Platelet-rich plasma in rotator cuff repair: a prospective randomized study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biologics in Sports Medicine

Background:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is utilized in rotator cuff repair, but clinical trial evidence supporting its benefits remains limited.
• Investigating the efficacy of PRP in enhancing functional and structural recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in improving functional and structural outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
• To compare clinical results and retear rates between patients receiving PRP and a control group.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized, double-blind study with Level 1 evidence.
• 27 patients in the PRP group received liquid PRP with autologous thrombin post-arthroscopic single-row repair for supraspinatus tears; 27 served as controls.
• Outcomes assessed via UCLA, Constant scales, VAS pain, and MRI at multiple time points up to 24 months.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant clinical improvement (P < .001) from baseline to 24 months.
• No significant differences were observed between PRP and control groups in UCLA, Constant, or VAS scores at 24 months (P > .05).
• A statistically significant difference in UCLA scores was noted at 12 months (P = .046), but not sustained at 24 months. Retear rates were comparable between groups (P = .42).

Conclusions:

• Liquid platelet-rich plasma (PRP) prepared by apheresis and applied with thrombin did not yield superior clinical results at 24-month follow-up for rotator cuff repair.
• The study did not find a significant reduction in retear rates with PRP application in this patient cohort.