Effect of Intraoperative Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment on Postoperative Donor Site Knee Pain in Patellar Tendon Autograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial:

Background:Donor site morbidity in the form of anterior knee pain is a frequent complication after bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) autograft anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.Hypothesis/Purpose:The purpose was to examine the effect of the intraoperative administration of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on postoperative kneeling pain. It was hypothesized that PRP treatment would reduce knee pain.Study Design:Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:Fifty patients (mean ± SD age, 30 ± 12 years) undergoing BPTB ACL autograft reconstruction were randomized to the PRP (n = 27) or sham (n = 23) treatment. In either case, 10 mL of venous blood was drawn before the induction of anesthesia and either discarded (sham) or processed (PRP) for preparation of a PRP gel to be later mixed with donor site bone chips and inserted into the patellar defect. At 12 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery, patients completed International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) forms and visual...