Effect of platelet-rich plasma augmentation on healing rates after arthroscopic meniscus repair: A prospective comparative cohort study.

Raman  Kumar; Nilesh Kumar  Agrawal; Reetesh  Roshan; Santosh  Kumar; Manish  Kumar

doi:10.51168/8y3x8y32

Authors

Raman Kumar Senior resident, Department of Orthopaedics, IGIMS, Patna, Bihar
Nilesh Kumar Agrawal Senior resident, Department of Orthopaedics, IGIMS, Patna, Bihar
Reetesh Roshan Senior resident, Department of Orthopaedics, IGIMS, Patna, Bihar
Santosh Kumar Professor and HOD, Department of Orthopaedics, IGIMS, Patna, Bihar
Manish Kumar Junior resident, Department of Orthopaedics, IGIMS, Patna, Bihar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/8y3x8y32

Keywords:

platelet-rich plasma, meniscus repair, arthroscopy, knee injury, healing rate

Abstract

Background:
One of the most frequent knee ailments is a meniscus tear, and in order to maintain knee joint function, arthroscopic meniscus repair is frequently done. However, because of the meniscus's restricted vascular supply, healing rates continue to fluctuate. It has been suggested that platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is abundant in growth factors, can improve tissue healing.

Objective:

To assess how platelet-rich plasma augmentation affects the rate of healing and functional results after meniscus surgery.

Methods:

50 patients receiving arthroscopic meniscus repair were included in this prospective study. Patients were split into two groups: 25 in the PRP augmentation group and 25 in the PRP-free control group. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain at the1,3,6, 12 -month follow-up, the Lysholm knee score for functional result, and the healing rate were among the outcomes evaluated. Independent t-tests were used for statistical analysis, and p<0.05 was chosen as the significance level.

Results:

Fifty patients completed follow-up, including 25 patients in the PRP group and 25 in the control group. The mean age was 29.4±6.3 years in the PRP group and 30.1±7.2 years in the control group. Baseline demographic and injury characteristics were comparable between groups. The PRP group demonstrated significantly higher healing scores (84.25±8.1 vs 75.17±9.8; p<0.001), higher Lysholm scores (88.95±6.2 vs 82.27±7.1; p<0.001), lower VAS pain scores (2.07±0.7 vs 3.03±0.9; p<0.001), and reduced re-tear rates (8% vs 20%).

Conclusion:

During arthroscopic meniscus surgery, PRP augmentation considerably increases healing rates, improves functional results, and lessens postoperative pain.

Recommendations

PRP augmentation should be considered as an adjunctive treatment during arthroscopic meniscus repair, particularly in patients at increased risk of impaired healing. Future multicenter randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods should be conducted to establish standardized protocols and evaluate long-term effectiveness.

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