In vivo clinical and radiological effects of platelet-rich plasma on interstitial supraspinatus lesion

Abstract

Background Rotator cuff tear (RCT) is a frequent condition of clinical relevance that can be managed with symptomatic conservative treatment, but must often be surgically managed. Biological components like platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) could represent an alternative curative treatment for interstitial RCT. Hypothesis Ultrasound guided L-PRP injection in supraspinatus interstitial RCT would induce radiological healing and improve symptoms. Methods A prospective case series was performed in order to assess the effect of L-PRP infiltration into supraspinatus interstitial RCTs. Primary outcome was tear size evolution determined by magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram (MRA) before and 6 months after L-PRP infiltration. Secondary outcomes were Constant score, SANE score, and Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) evolution after L-PRP infiltration. Results Twenty-five patients were included into this study. Tear volume diminution was statistically significant ( P = .007), and a > 50% tear volume diminution was observed in 15 patients. A statistically significant amelioration of Constant score ( P P = .001), and VAS ( P Conclusion We observed a statistically significant and clinically relevant effect on RCT size and clinical parameters after L-PRP infiltration. In clinical practice, such an important amelioration of supraspinatus interstitial RCT with conservative management is uncommon, therefore intratendinous L-PRP infiltrations could have been beneficial. This encouraging result should pave the way to future randomized studies in order to formally determinate whether L-PRP infiltrations could be an alternative to surgical treatment of interstitial RCT.