Anatomic ACL reconstruction: does the platelet-rich plasma accelerate tendon healing?

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2009 Jun;17(6):676-82. doi: 10.1007/s00167-009-0762-8. Epub 2009 Mar 14.

Abstract

Recently, the use of hamstring tendons in anterior cruciate ligament repair has been increasing. However, tendon-to-bone healing occurs slowly, which can be a problem to an early return to sport activities. The use of growth factors from platelets seems to improve tissue healing. We enrolled 40 patients in a prospective study that were submitted to an anatomic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Patients were sequentially enrolled into four groups: group A without platelet-rich plasma (PRP); group B with PRP in femoral tunnels at the end of surgery; group C with PRP in femoral tunnels at the end of surgery and intra-articular at 2- and 4 weeks after surgery; group D with PRP activated with thrombin in the femoral tunnels. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the knee 3 months after surgery to evaluate the signal intensity of the fibrous interzone (FIZ) in the femoral tunnels. We did not find any difference among the groups when comparing the signal intensity of the FIZ on magnetic resonance imaging.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / surgery*
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Fibrin Tissue Adhesive / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Orthopedic Procedures / methods*
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma*
  • Tendons / transplantation*
  • Tendons / ultrastructure
  • Tissue Adhesives / therapeutic use
  • Wound Healing*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Fibrin Tissue Adhesive
  • Tissue Adhesives