Platelet rich plasma use in allograft ACL reconstructions: Two-year clinical results of a MOON cohort study

Abstract

BackgroundPlatelet rich plasma has been promoted as a biologic agent to enhance tissue healing. As a concentration of autologous growth factors, it has gained increased use in musculoskeletal applications. MethodsThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intra-operative PRP on patient-reported outcomes 2years after ACL reconstruction with tibialis anterior allograft. Fifty patients who underwent allograft ACL reconstruction with intra-operative application of PRP to the graft were matched with 50 allograft ACL -reconstructions without PRP use. The same surgeon performed all procedures with identical technique. Two year patient-reported outcomes including KOOS, IKDC, and Marx activity scores were obtained. Effusions in the immediate post-operative period, post-operative complications, and any subsequent procedures were also recorded. ResultsThere was no difference between the groups with respect to additional surgeries or complications in the first 2years after reconstruction. Decreased effusions at 10±4days were noted in the PRP group, but this difference disappeared by 8±4weeks. No differences in patient-reported outcomes were noted in the 58 patients with two-year outcome data. ConclusionThe study demonstrated that although PRP application in tibialis allograft ACL reconstructions appeared safe; clinical benefit was minor and short-term. No differences in patient-reported outcomes or number of additional surgeries at 2years were noted. Level of evidenceLevel III — retrospective comparative study.