title: Platelet-Rich Plasma May Improve Osteochondral Donor Site Healing in a Rabbit Model.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to assess the effect(s) of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on osteochondral donor site healing in a rabbit model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Osteochondral donor sites 3 mm in diameter and 5 mm in depth were created bilaterally on the femoral condyles of 12 New Zealand White rabbits. Knees were randomized such that one knee in each rabbit received an intra-articular injection of PRP and the other received saline (placebo). Rabbits were euthanized at 3, 6, and 12 weeks following surgery. Repair tissue was evaluated using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) macroscopic and histological scores.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No complications occurred as a result of the interventions. There was no significant difference in macroscopic scores between the 2 groups (5.5 ± 3.8 vs. 3.8 ± 3.5; P = 0.13). Subjective macroscopic assessment determined greater tissue infill with fewer fissures and a more cartilage-like appearance in PRP-treated knees. Overall ICRS histological scores were better in the PRP group compared with the placebo (9.8 ± 2.0 vs. 7.8 ± 1.8; P = 0.04). Histological scores were also higher in the PRP group compared with the placebo group at each time point. Greater glycosaminoglycan and type II collagen content were noted in the repair tissue of the PRP group compared with the placebo group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study indicate that PRP used as an intra-articular injection may improve osteochondral healing in a rabbit model.
authors.affiliation: Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Niall A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Smyth
authors.affiliation: Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Amgad M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Haleem
authors.affiliation: Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Keir A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.affiliation: Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Charles P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Hannon
authors.affiliation: Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Christopher D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Murawski
authors.affiliation: Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Huong T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Do
authors.affiliation: Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: John G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Kennedy
keywords: animal models; articular cartilage; cytokines and growth factors; general; growth factors; tissue