Platelet-rich fibrin matrix displays no effect on cuff tendon healing

Issue: August 2012

Researchers found platelet-rich fibrin matrix applied to the tendon-bone interface at the time of rotator cuff repair showed no demonstrable effect on tendon healing, tendon vascularity, manual muscle strength or clinical rating scales.

Seventy-nine patients aged 40 years and older who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff tendon repair were randomly assigned to receive either platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) at the tendon-bone interface (40 patients) or standard repair with no PRFM (39 patients). At 6 weeks and 12 weeks, researchers evaluated tendon healing by ultrasound for the primary outcome measure and used a handheld dynamometer to measure standardized shoulder outcome scales and strength for secondary outcomes.

Sixty-seven percent of patients experienced complete tendon-to-bone healing in the PRFM group vs. 81% in the control group. Rotator cuff tendons were intact in 82.4% of the PRFM group and 83% of the control group at 6 weeks. However, by 12 weeks, rotator cuff tendons were intact in 66.7% of the PRFM group and 80.6% in the control group.

By 12 months postoperatively, mean scores of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons patient survey in the PRFM-treated group increased from 56.22 to 91.30, according to the researchers. Similarly, results from the control group increased from 54.74 preoperatively to 96.43 postoperatively. L’Insalata scores also increased in both groups at 12 months postoperatively from 50.55 preoperatively to 90.39 in the PRFM-treated group and from 50.57 to 94.11 in the control group.

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Source:

Rodeo SA. Am J Sports Med. 2012;40:1234-1241.