ARE PLATELET-RICH PLASMA INJECTIONS EFFECTIVE AFTER ARTHROSCOPIC ROTATOR CUFF TEAR REPAIR?

IntroductionRotator cuff healing after an arthroscopic repair is discussible because of the high incidence of failures. Among biologic augmentations currently used, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one of the most applied, supposed to enhance and accelerate the healing process in different musculoskeletal disorders. However, the evidence supporting its successful administration is still lacking, especially in the field of the rotator cuff repair. Our purpose is to clarify if the recovery is accelerated and the integrity of repaired construct is increased in patients undergoing PRP injections after arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff.Patients & MethodsThirty-eight patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears have been enrolled after they had been informed about the use of PRP and the timing of its application postoperatively. Seventeen patients underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and PRP injections (3 injections at 10 days each other), 21 underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair without PRP in...