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Platelet-rich fibrin matrix shows no impact on clinical outcomes, study finds
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NEW ORLEANS — One of the first prospective, randomized studies to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich fibrin matrix in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair shows that the product has no significant impact on clinical results and perioperative pain control.
“This stuff would be very helpful,” Stephen C. Weber, MD, said during his presentation here at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “The problem is, as it is used in this study, it is not the answer.”
Weber and his colleague compared the results of 30 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) to a control group of 30 patients who did not receive the product. All of the patients underwent standard single-row arthroscopic repairs, Weber said.
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After excluding patients with clotting disorders and those on perioperative anticoagulation therapy, the investigators found no complications in either group. They discovered no significant differences between the groups regarding postoperative Visual Analog Scale scores and narcotic use for pain. Early postoperative MRI data at 3 months showed residual tears in the groups, and the investigators found that re-tear rates correlated with patient age and tear size.
Weber cited the small sample size and short follow-up among his study limitations. He also noted that the platelet-rich plasma products are expensive and can be potentially harmful.
“In an era of cost containment, their use should be restricted until prospective, randomized, blinded studies show some clinical efficacy,” he said.
- Reference:
Weber SC, Kauffman JI. Platelet-rich fibrin matrix in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: A prospective, randomized study. Paper #43. Presented at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. March 9-13. New Orleans.
I am very excited to see that this is one of the first studies that are prospectively randomized [to] bring to light to the public that we need to investigate things before we just use things without a purpose. It may turn out that there is validity to platelet-rich plasma; but, we as orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine doctors, would like to know where in the body it helps, how it works and when to use it so that we become wise to cost containment and well as – most importantly – helping our patients and never causing any harm.
– Kevin D. Plancher, MD
Session Moderator