Ultrasound-Guided Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection for Deep Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injuries of the Knee

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Regenerative Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Imaging

Background:

• Deep medial collateral ligament (dMCL) injuries cause medial knee pain, often unresponsive to conservative treatments like bracing and physical therapy.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a promising regenerative treatment that enhances ligament healing through collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration.
• Ultrasound guidance is increasingly utilized for precise PRP delivery in ligament injuries, potentially improving outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present two distinct cases of deep medial collateral ligament (dMCL) injuries treated with ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.
• To illustrate the efficacy of PRP therapy in patients with both traumatic and degenerative dMCL injuries who failed conservative management.
• To highlight the technical aspects of ultrasound-guided PRP injection into the meniscotibial ligament (MTL).

Main Methods:

• Two patients with symptomatic dMCL injuries (one traumatic, one degenerative) received ultrasound-guided PRP injections into the meniscotibial ligament (MTL).
• Leukocyte-rich PRP was prepared via centrifugation of autologous blood.
• High-frequency linear ultrasound transducer was used for precise needle guidance and visualization of the dMCL/MTL during the in-plane injection.

Main Results:

• Both patients reported significant pain reduction and functional improvement within four weeks post-injection.
• The traumatic injury patient returned to athletic activity (football), and the degenerative injury patient resumed daily activities (brisk walking) without pain.
• No symptom recurrence was observed during follow-up, indicating sustained therapeutic benefit.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound-guided PRP injections offer a viable and effective treatment option for persistent deep medial collateral ligament (dMCL) injuries.
• This technique demonstrates potential for promoting ligament healing, pain relief, and functional recovery in diverse patient populations.
• Further research is warranted to standardize PRP protocols and evaluate long-term efficacy for dMCL injuries.