Treatment of degenerative meniscal tear with intrameniscal injection of platelets rich plasma

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this retrospective study was to describe our preliminary results of intra-meniscal administration of platelet rich plasma (PRP) in patients with degenerative meniscal tears of the knee. Material and methodTen patients with degenerative meniscal tears according to the Stoller classification and without knee osteoarthritis were included. There were 7 men and 3 women with a mean age of 40.4±13.6 [SD] years (range: 18–59 years). Patients were prospectively assessed at baseline and 3- and 6-months after intra meniscal PRP administration. Evaluation included the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), pain visual analog scale, and return to competition and training. MRI follow-up was performed 6 months after PRP administration. Adverse events were recorded. ResultsVolume of injected PRP was standardized to 4.0mL. Adverse events during PRP administration was moderate pain in 8 patients (8/10; 80%). Mean KOOS total score significantly improved from 56.6±15.7 (SD) to 72.7±18.5 (SD) (P=0.0007). All six patients practicing sports regularly were able to recover competition or training. In seven patients who underwent MRI follow-up at 6 months, MRI showed stability of the meniscal tears and similar Stoller grades. ConclusionIntra-meniscal administration of PRP under ultrasound guidance directly into meniscal degenerative lesions is feasible and safe. Further randomized controlled studies are needed to definitely confirm the effectiveness of this procedure.