The effect of platelet-rich plasma in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Objective To investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.Methods From January 2010 to January 2013,40 patients with ACL ruptures who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with gracilis and semitendinosus tendon were randomly divided into two groups:PRP group and normal saline group.20 patients received graft soaked with PRP and hemocoagulase while 20 patients received graft soaked with normal saline and hemocoagulase.All patients were followed up in 1,3 and 12 months.Evaluation consisted of postoperative drainage volume,inflammatory reaction,grade of wound healed,anterior drawer test,Lachman test,pivot shift,Lysholm knee score and KNEELAX3.Results The average follow-up period was 18 months.Postoperative drainage volume was 142±24 ml in PRP group and 324±22 ml in saline group.The difference was statistically significant.At 4 days after the operation,no inflammatory reaction was observed in 18 cases of PRP group and in 16 cases of saline group,mid inflammatory reaction in 1 case of PRP group and 2 cases of sa line group,and moderate inflammatory reaction in 1 case of PRP group and 2 cases of saline group.Wound healed by first intention in 20 patients of PRP group and in 19 patients of saline group.The preoperative results of anterior drawer test,Lachman test and pivot shift were positive,while postoperative results were negative in both two groups.In PRP group,the preoperative and postoperative Lysholm knee scores of patients in 12 months were 39.8±8.9 and 92.1±2.7 points respectively.In saline group,the preoperative and postoperative Lysholm knee scores of patients in 12 months were 38.7±9.8 and 89.9±4.1points respectively.The differences were not statistically significant.KNEELAX3 measuring results:in PRP group,preoperative measurement was 9.4±1.2 mm in average,while measurement in 12 months postoperatively was 1.2±1.1 mm.In saline group,preoperative measurement was 9.6±1.3 mm,while measurement in 12 months postoperatively was 2.2±1.2 mm.The differences were statistically significant.Conclusion Using graft soaked with PRP in ACL reconstruction could reduce postoperative drainage volume,accelerate the healing of tendon-bone interface in the bone tunnel and the recovery of knee joint function. Key words: Platelet-rich plasma;  Anterior cruciate ligament;  Reconstructive surgical procedures