title: Rotator cuff healing after needling of a calcific deposit using platelet-rich plasma augmentation: a randomized, prospective clinical trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Arthroscopic needling of a rotator cuff calcification is a highly reliable operation in terms of pain relief and return of function. However, during the needling process, a cuff defect is created. Little is known about the evolution of this defect.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial to investigate the evolution of the aforementioned defect and the role of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) augmentation in this healing process. Patients were randomized to either group 1 (PRP, n = 20) or group 2 (no PRP [control group], n = 20). Patients in group 1 received a perioperative PRP infiltration at the rotator cuff defect, whereas the control group did not. Patients were assessed clinically preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and 1 year. The Constant score, Simple Shoulder Test, and QuickDASH (short version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire) were used as outcome measures. The evolution of the cuff defect was evaluated on sonography at 3 and 6 months and with magnetic resonance imaging after 1 year.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients improved significantly after surgery (P < .05). There was no difference in clinical outcome or rotator cuff healing between groups. We observed a high rate of persistent rotator cuff defects after 1 year in both groups. The presence of residual cuff defects did not influence the clinical outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Arthroscopic needling is an operation with a predictive, good clinical outcome. We found a high rate of persistent rotator cuff defects after 1 year. This study could not identify any beneficial effect of the addition of PRP on rotator cuff healing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Level II; Randomized Controlled Trial; Treatment Study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Division of Orthopaedics, University Hospitals Leuven, Pellenberg, Belgium. Electronic address: filip.verhaegen@uzleuven.be.
authors.forename: Filip
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Verhaegen
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Pellenberg, Belgium.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brys
authors.affiliation: Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Division of Orthopaedics, University Hospitals Leuven, Pellenberg, Belgium.
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Debeer
mesh_terms: D001182:Arthroscopy; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing
keywords: PRP; Rotator cuff; healing; needling