Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging findings in anterior cruciate ligament grafts with and without autologous platelet-derived growth factors.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the use of platelet-rich plasma gel (PRPG) affects magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft during the first year after reconstruction.


METHODS
A prospective single-blinded study of 50 ACL reconstructions in 50 patients was performed. In group A (study group) PRPG was added to the graft with a standardized technique, and in group B (control group) no PRPG was added. An MRI study was performed postoperatively between 3 and 9 months in group A and between 3 and 12 months in group B. The imaging analysis was performed in a blind protocol by the same radiologist.


RESULTS
The mean heterogeneity score value at the time of MRI, assigned by the radiologist, was 1.14 in group A and 3.25 in group B. Both groups were comparable in terms of sex and age (P < .05). The mean time to obtain a completely homogeneous intra-articular segment in group A (PRPG added) was 177 days after surgery, and it was 369 days in group B. Using the quadratic predictive model, these findings show that group A (PRPG added) needed only 48% of the time group B required to achieve the same MRI image (P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
ACL reconstruction with the use of PRPG achieves complete homogeneous grafts assessed by MRI, in 179 days compared with 369 days for ACL reconstruction without PRPG. This represents a time shortening of 48% with respect to ACL reconstruction without PRPG.
Radice
Fernando
F
Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile. fradice@clc.cl
Yánez
Roberto
R
Gutiérrez
Vicente
V
Rosales
Julio
J
Pinedo
Miguel
M
Coda
Sebastián
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001182:Arthroscopy; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D005781:Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D017847:Patellar Ligament / Q000637:transplantation*; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012421:Rupture / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013710:Tendons / Q000637:transplantation*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D055815:Young Adult
D004343:Drug Implants; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor