Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair. A Prospective RCT Study, 2 Years Follow-up

Authors: Pietro Randelli, Paolo Arrigoni, Vincenza Ragone, Paolo Cabitza

References: Presented at ICSES 2010

Hypothesis: Local application of autologous PRP improves tendon healing in patients undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Study design: Prospective, randomized, controlled, double blind study; Level of evidence, 1. Considering an alpha level of 5%, a power of 80%, 22 patients for group are needed.

Materials and methods: Fifty-three patients who undergone a shoulder arthroscopy for the repair of complete rotator cuff tear, were randomly divided into two groups (block randomization procedure): a treatment group (N=26) who received an intra-operative application of PRP in combination with an autologous thrombin component and a control group (N=27). Patients were evaluated with Validated outcome score. An MRI was performed in all case at more than 1 year post-op. All patients had the same accelerated rehabilitation protocol.

Results: The two groups were omogeneous. Pain score in treatment group was lower than control group at 3, 7, 14 and 30 days after surgery (p<0,05). Strength in External Rotation (dynamometer), SST, UCLA and Constant scores in treatment group were significantly higher than control group at 3 months after surgery (SER: 31,6kg versus 2,11,3kg; SST: 8,92,2 versus 7,12,7; UCLA: 26,93 versus 24,24,9; Constant: 659 vs 57,912; p<0,05). There was no difference between the two groups after 6, 12 and 24 months.The MRI follow-up showed no significant difference in the healing rate. In the subgroup of stage 1 and 2 tears, with less retraction and more prone to the effect of a biological therapy, SER in PRP group were significant higher at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-op. (p<0,05).

Conclusions: The results of our study showed autologous PRP reduced pain in the first months post-op and promoted quicker healing. Long-term results of subgroups of stage 1 and 2 tears suggest PRP effectively affected cuff rotator healing.



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