Has platelet-rich plasma any role in partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament? Prospective comparative study

Partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are frequent, and there is still considerable controversy surrounding their diagnosis, natural history and treatment.

To examine patient-reported outcomes, physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of partial ACL tears treated with an intraarticular injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) compared to a control group.

From January 2015 to November 2017, consecutive patients from a single institution with partial ACL tears treated nonoperatively were prospectively evaluated. Partial tears were defined as a positive Lachman test with a clear end-point, a negative pivot-shift and less than 3 mm of side-to-side difference using the KT1000 arthrometer. Patients in group 1 were treated with one intraarticular injection of PRP and specific physical therapy protocol. Control group consisted of patients treated only with physical therapy. Prospective analyzed data included physical examination, Tegner activity level and Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores. Baseline MRI findings and at 6 mo follow-up were reviewed. Failure was defined as those patients with clinical instability at follow-up that required a subsequent ACL reconstruction.

A total of 40 patients where included, 21 treated with PRP injection with a mean follow-up of 25 mo [standard deviation (SD): 3.6] and 19 in the control group with a mean follow-up of 25 mo (SD: 5.68). Overall failure rate was 32.0% (n = 13). No significant differences were observed between groups regarding subjective outcomes, return to sport and failure rate. MRI findings revealed an improvement in the ACL signal in half of the patients of both groups. However, we did not find a significant relationship between MRI findings and clinical outcomes.

Overall, 95.0% of patients returned to sports at a mean follow-up of 25 mo. Mean time to return to sports was 4 mo. Out of these patients, almost 30.0% in each group had a new episode of instability and required surgery at a median time of 5 mo in group 1 and 8 mo in group 2. The addition of PRP alone was not sufficient to enhance any of the outcome measures evaluated, including MRI images, clinical evaluation and failure rate.