The effect of platelet-rich plasma on arthroscopic double-row rotator cuff repair: a clinical study with 12-month follow-up.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of platelet-rich plasma on arthroscopic double-row rotator cuff repair.

Methods: The study included 60 patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Thirthy patients (mean age: 57.2±7.4; 16 males and 14 females) underwent arthroscopic double-row repair alone (Group 1), another 30 (mean age: 56.9±6.0; 15 males and 15 females) had an injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) (Group 2). The groups were compared with DASH as a primary outcome score and Constant-Murley score, visual analog scale, measurement of active forward flexion, and external and internal rotation as secondary outcome measures. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess the integrity of the repair at 12 months postoperatively.

Results: Primary and secondary outcome measures statistically improved in both groups postoperatively (p<0.05). Overall mean primary and secondary postoperative outcome measures were not significantly different between the 2 groups. A retear was seen in 9 subjects (30%) in Group 1 and 4 subjects (14%) in Group 2 (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The local injection of PRP into a primary arthroscopic double-row cuff repair resulted in lower recurrence rates than repairs without the novel biological augmentation material.