Treatment of horizontal dissection of the knee menisci with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Literature review and analysis of own data

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Treatment of damage to the inner layer of the meniscus of the knee joint that does not extend to the articular surface remains an open question. Subsequently, these injuries can cause a complete rupture of the meniscus that already requires surgical treatment. Existing methods of treatment at this stage of meniscus injury have not shown their effectiveness.
 AIM: Study the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on meniscus regeneration.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis of the 15 patients treatment results with the PRP method, which effectively stimulates regenerative processes, was carried out. The effectiveness of the method was assessed using the following evaluation scales: visual analog scale (VAS), Lequesne scale, WOMAC index (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index), Lysholm scale, KSS scale (Knee Society Score) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
 RESULTS: According to the results of MRI performed after 6 months, there was no progression of meniscus damage after PRP therapy by all parameters.
 CONCLUSION: The study showed an improvement in all rating scales. In addition, according to MRI data, after 6 months there was no progression of the degenerative process in the menisci. The presented method can be the first step in the treatment of this pathology.