ARTHROSCOPIC REPAIR OF A LARGE ROTATOR CUFF TEAR USING THE SUTURE BRIDGE TECHNIQUE AUGMENTED WITH PLATELET-RICH FIBRIN: A CASE REPORT.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the arthroscopic double-row suture bridge technique for the treatment of large rotator cuff tears augmented with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF).

BACKGROUND

Large rotator cuff tears are associated with a high retear rate because of poor tendon quality and extensive tissue defects. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) provides a stable fibrin scaffold enriched with multiple growth factors, including transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF). These biological mediators have been shown in animal studies to accelerate tendon-to-bone healing.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: This case report presents the step-by-step surgical technique, including autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) preparation, arthroscopic evaluation of intra-articular pathology, preparation of the tendon-to-bone footprint, anchor placement, application of PRF at the tendon-bone interface, and rotator cuff repair using the suture bridge technique.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The addition of PRF during arthroscopic repair of large rotator cuff tears may provide a favorable biological environment, promote early angiogenesis, and enhance tendon-to-bone healing during the early postoperative period.

DISCLAIMER: This research was funded by the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, under research project No. QG.24.109.