Arthroscopic knotless tape bridging with autologous platelet-rich fibrin gel augmentation: functional and structural results.

Background

Rotator cuff repairs remain a source of iterative ruptures and disappointing functional results. In this goal, autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used to improve tendon healing. This prospective study assessed the contribution of fully autologous gel concentrates (platelet concentrates and thrombin) on healing after cuff repair.

Methods

A consecutive series of 69 patients who underwent primary arthroscopic knotless tape bridging primary cuff repair of supraspinatus tear were evaluated. Two groups were created (A: n = 32, B: n = 37). Autologous PRP gel, obtained preoperatively by PRP mixed with autologous thrombin extracted from platelet-poor plasma, was injected at bone-tendon interface at end of repair in group A. Gel structure avoided evacuation of concentrates with irrigation liquid. Constant, QuickDash and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were assessed pre-operatively and then successively post-operatively. Healing was assessed by 24-month control MRI according to Sugaya's classification. Sugaya 3, 4, and 5 were considered as iterative ruptures.

Results

Average age was 56 years (±7.8). Mean follow-up was similar: 28.6 months (±3.3) vs 32.4 months (±9.4). Mean preoperative Constant was similar: 53.4 (±3.4) vs 54.6 (±5.4). Group A patients received 3.5 ml (±1.5 ml) of autologous PRP gel. No specific complication of injection was found. We observed higher trend in favour of PRP without significativity: Constant 86.7 (±11.1) vs 81.6 (±14.4), p = 0.11; VAS: 0.6 (±0.3) vs 1.1 (±0.9), p = 0.13; Forward flexion: 139.5° (±14.4°) vs 137.7° (± 16.5°), p = 0.63; Strength score: 17.6 vs 14.8, p = 0.66; QuickDash: 6.2 (±5.3) vs 8.2 (±6.9), p = 0.32 . On MRI, 90% (n = 3) of repairs were healed in group A versus 86% (n = 5) in group B.

Conclusion

In this preliminary study, the group treated with autologous PRP gel showed a trend towards better clinical and radiological results. These results were not significant at the last follow-up. Only significantly higher clinical results were found at 3 months.Study design: Therapeutic prospective comparative cohort study; Level of evidence III.