title: Platelet rich plasma in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a prospective RCT study, 2-year follow-up.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Local application of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) improves tendon healing in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, randomized, controlled, double blind study; considering an alpha level of 5%, a power of 80%, 22 patients for group are needed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-three patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy for the repair of a complete rotator cuff tear were randomly divided into 2 groups, using a block randomization procedure. A treatment group (N = 26) consisted of those who received an intraoperative application of PRP in combination with an autologous thrombin component. A control group (N = 27) consisted of those who did not receive that treatment. Patients were evaluated with validated outcome scores. A magnetic resonance image (MRI) was performed in all cases at more than 1 year post-op. All patients had the same accelerated rehabilitation protocol.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 2 groups were homogeneous. The pain score in the treatment group was lower than the control group at 3, 7, 14, and 30 days after surgery (P < .05). On the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), University of California (UCLA), and Constant scores, strength in external rotation, as measured by a dynamometer, were significantly higher in the treatment group than the control group at 3 months after surgery (strength in external rotation [SER]: 3 ± 1.6 vs 2.1 ± 1.3 kg; SST: 8.9 ± 2.2 vs 7.1 ± 2.7; UCLA: 26.9 ± 3 vs 24.2 ± 4.9; Constant: 65 ± 9 vs 57.8 ± 11; P < .05). There was no difference between the 2 groups after 6, 12, and 24 months. The follow-up MRI showed no significant difference in the healing rate of the rotator cuff tear. In the subgroup of grade 1 and 2 tears, with less retraction, SER in the PRP group was significant higher at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperative (P < .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of our study showed autologous PRP reduced pain in the first postoperative months. The long-term results of subgroups of grade 1 and 2 tears suggest that PRP positively affected cuff rotator healing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Scienze Medico Chirurgiche, University of Milano, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milano, Italy. pietro.randelli@unimi.it
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Randelli
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Arrigoni
authors.forename: Vincenza
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ragone
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aliprandi
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cabitza
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001182:Arthroscopy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma; D020127:Recovery of Function; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000601:surgery*; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012421:Rupture; D014945:Wound Healing