Characterization of distinct microbiota associated with androgenetic alopecia patients treated and untreated with platelet-rich plasma(PRP)

Background:Androgenic alopecia(AGA)is the most common type of hair loss in men,and there are many studies on the treatment of hair loss by platelet-rich plasma(PRP).The human scalp contains a huge microbiome,but its role in the process of hair loss remains unclear,and the relationship between PRP and the microbiome needs further study.Therefore,the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PRP treatment on scalp microbiota composition.Methods:We performed PRP treatment on 14 patients with AGA,observed their clinical efficacy,and collected scalp swab samples before and after treatment.The scalp microflora of AGA patients before and after treatment was characterized by amplifying the V3-V4 region of the 16 s RNA gene and sequencing for bacterial identification.Results:The results showed that PRP was effective in the treatment of AGA patients,and the hair growth increased significantly.The results of relative abundance analysis of microbiota showed that after treatment,g_Cutibacterium increased and g_Staphylococcus decreased,which played a stable role in scalp microbiota.In addition,g_Lawsonella decreased,indicating that the scalp oil production decreased after treatment.Conclusions:The findings suggest that PRP may play a role in treating AGA through scalp microbiome rebalancing.

Efficacy of intraovarian autologous platelet-rich plasma administration in women with low ovarian reserve: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:To conduct a systematic examination and meta-analysis of the most reliable data from experimental studies evaluating the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma(PRP)on low ovarian reserve.Methods:A comprehensive search was performed utilizing pertinent search terms across electronic databases,including PubMed,Cochrane,and Google Scholar.We included studies that assigned infertile women with low ovarian reserve in experimental studies.Ovarian reserve parameters were measured before and after PRP injection into ovaries.The data of each study was retrieved and subsequently compiled.Results:Of 301 articles collected and reviewed,six studies were finally included in the meta-analysis.Following PRP injection,infertile women showed a non-significant increase in anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH)level(MD=0.10;95%CI-0.04,0.23),a significant increase in antral follicular count(AFC)(MD=1.88;95%CI 0.47,3.29),and a non-significant reduction in follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)level(MD=-0.22;95%CI-8.32,7.87).Conclusions:Autologous PRP may increase AFC,but not AMH.Although it is found beneficial in enhancing ovarian reserve(AFC),further research with strong evidence is still required.

Platelet-rich plasma treatment for chronic wounds:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Wound healing is a complicated process that can be heavily influenced by patient comorbidities,in some cases leading to a chronic non-healing wound.Evidence presented in the medical literature supporting the clinical use of autologous platelet-rich plasma(PRP)in treatment of such wounds is becoming increasingly compelling.Mechanisms involved include complex interactions between the patient’s thrombocytes,cytokines,and growth factors.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of a 72-year-old male patient with a long-standing chronic wound and multiple comorbidities.Over the course of more than 7 months,the patient was unsuccessfully treated with all routinely used measures,including different dressing approaches.Multiple antibiotic regimens were administered for wound infection,with repeated evaluation of microbiological swab results.Finally,after three PRP applications,the wound showed clinical improvement with complete restitution of the epithelial layer of the skin.CONCLUSION PRP treatment may be beneficial to reduce healing time in chronic wounds.

Adenylate cyclase activates the cAMP signalling pathway to enhance platelet-rich plasma-treated Achilles tendon disease,a theoretical bioinformatics-based study

The effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma(PRP)for the treatment of Achilles tendon disorders still needs to be evaluated through a series of prospective studies,but genomic analysis can reveal the existence of complementary PRP treatment options.Based on the 96 platelet activation-related genes in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)database,we performed Gene Ontology functional enrichment analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis,pathway correlation analysis,and enrichment mapping to determine the enrichment results of the gene set enrichment analysis and found that the cAMP signalling pathway may be the key to enhancing the effectiveness of PRP treatment.The cAMP signalling pathway interacts with the Rap1 signalling pathway and cGMPPKG signalling pathway to mediate the entire pathophy-siological process of Achilles tendon disease.Moreover,ADCY1-9 may be the key to the activation of the cAMP signalling network.Further based on the data in the Gene Expression Omnibus database,it was found that ADCY4 and ADCY7 may be the players that play a major role,associated with the STAT4-ADCY4-LAMA5 axis and the GRbeta-ADCY7-SEMA3C axis,which is expected to be a complementary target for enhancing the efficacy of PRP in the treatment of Achilles tendon disease.

Platelet-rich plasma for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Platelet-rich plasma(PRP)injection is used as an alternative non-operative management for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis(DQT)to regenerate tendon healing.AIM To assess and conclude the research-based study systematically to analyse the efficacy of PRP on DQT.METHODS This systematic review used the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and the guideline of preferred reporting items for systematic review and metaanalysis.A systematic literature search was applied to 11 databases.The authors assessed the study quality and risk of bias of each included study.Results of the meta-analysis were presented using mean difference(MD)/standardized mean difference(SMD)and 95%condence interval(CI).RESULTS The authors evaluated 275 studies found in the literature search;12 studies met the criteria for this review,and then the study quality and risk of bias were assessed.Pooled analysis of data from two studies involving 194 subjects with DQT showed that,compared with conservative treatment,PRP injection was associated with a greater reduction in visual analog scale pain in one month and six months after treatment(MD:-0.67,P value<0.00001;MD:-1.16,P value<0.00001)and the increase of Mayo’s wrist score in one month and six months after treatment(SMD:3.72,P value<0.00001;SMD:4.44,P value<0.00001).CONCLUSION PRP can be used as an alternative non-operative treatment for DQT due to the tissue regenerative effect of PRP.

Platelet-rich plasma for regeneration of neural feedback pathways around dental implants: a concise review and outlook on future possibilities

Along with the development of new materials, advanced medical imaging and surgical techniques, osseointegrated dental implants are considered a successful and constantly evolving treatment modality for the replacement of missing teeth in patients with complete or partial edentulism. The importance of restoring the peripheral neural feedback pathway and thus repairing the lack of periodontal rnechanoreceptors after tooth extraction has been highlighted in the literature. Nevertheless, regenerating the nerve fibers and reconstructing the neural feedback pathways around osseointegrated implants remain a challenge. Recent studies have provided evidence that platelet-rich plasma （PRP） therapy is a promising treatment for musculoskeletal injuries. Because of its high biological safety, convenience and usability, PRP therapy has gradually gained popularity in the clinical field Although much remains to be learned, the growth factors from PRP might play key roles in peripheral nerve repair mechanisms. This review presents known growth factors contributing to the biological efficacy of PRP and illustrates basic and （pre-）clinical evidence regarding the use of PRP and its relevant products in peripheral nerve regeneration. In addition, the potential of local application of PRP for structural and functional recovery of iniured peripheral nerves around dental implants is discussed.

Application of platelet-rich plasma with stem cells in bone and periodontal tissue engineering

Presently, there is a high paucity of bone grafts in the United States and worldwide. Regenerating bone is of prime concern due to the current demand of bone grafts and the increasing number of diseases causing bone loss. Autogenous bone is the present gold standard of bone regeneration. However, disadvantages like donor site morbidity and its decreased availability limit its use. Even allografts and synthetic grafting materials have their own limitations. As certain specific stem cells can be directed to differentiate into an osteoblastic lineage in the presence of growth factors(GFs), it makes stem cells the ideal agents for bone regeneration.Furthermore, platelet-rich plasma(PRP), which can be easily isolated from whole blood, is often used for bone regeneration, wound healing and bone defect repair. When stem cells are combined with PRP in the presence of GFs, they are able to promote osteogenesis. This review provides in-depth knowledge regarding the use of stem cells and PRP in vitro, in vivo and their application in clinical studies in the future.

Platelet-rich plasma gel in combination with Schwann cells for repair of sciatic nerve injury

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from New Zealand white rabbits, culture-expanded and differentiated into Schwann cell-like cells. Autologous platelet-dch plasma and Schwann cell-like cells were mixed in suspension at a density of 1 x 106 cells/mL, prior to introduction into a poly （lactic-co-glycolic acid） conduit. Fabricated tissue-engineered nerves were implanted into rabbits to bridge 10 mm sciatic nerve defects （platelet-rich plasma group）. Controls were established using fibrin as the seeding matrix for Schwann cell-like cells at identical density to construct tissue-engineered nerves （fibrin group）. Twelve weeks after implantation, toluidine blue staining and scanning electron microscopy were used to demonstrate an increase in the number of regenerating nerve fibers and thickness of the myelin sheath in the platelet-rich plasma group compared with the fibrin group. Fluoro-gold retrograde labeling revealed that the number of Fluoro-gold-positive neurons in the dorsal root ganglion and the spinal cord anterior horn was greater in the platelet-rich plasma group than in the fibrin group. Electrophysiological examination confirmed that compound muscle action potential and nerve conduction velocity were superior in the platelet-rich plasma group compared with the fibrin group. These results indicate that autologous platelet-rich plasma gel can effectively serve as a seeding matrix for Schwann cell-like cells to construct tissue-engineered nerves to promote perJpheral nerve regeneration.

Platelet-rich plasma:the role in neural repair

The efficacy of platelet-rich plasma（PRP）to promote tissue regeneration has been largely confirmed in several clinical settings,such as in human maxillo-facial（Froum et al.,2002）,heart（Vu et al.,2015）and orthopaedic surgery（Zhang and Wang,2010）.Up to date.

Single injection of platelet-rich plasma as a novel treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome

Both in vitro and in vivo experiments have confirmed that platelet-rich plasma has therapeutic effects on many neuropathies, but its effects on carpal tunnel syndrome remain poorly understood. We aimed to investigate whether single injection of platelet-rich plasma can improve the clinical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Fourteen patients presenting with median nerve injury who had suffered from mild carpal tunnel syndrome for over 3 months were included in this study. Under ultrasound guidance, 1-2 m L of platelet-rich plasma was injected into the region around the median nerve at the proximal edge of the carpal tunnel. At 1 month after single injection of platelet-rich plasma, Visual Analogue Scale results showed that pain almost disappeared in eight patients and it was obviously alleviated in three patients. Simultaneously, the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire showed that upper limb function was obviously improved. In addition, no ultrasonographic manifestation of the carpal tunnel syndrome was found in five patients during ultrasonographic measurement of the width of the median nerve. During 3-month follow-up, the pain was not greatly alleviated in three patients. These findings show very encouraging mid-term outcomes regarding use of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Platelet-rich plasma,an adjuvant biological therapy to assist peripheral nerve repair

Therapies such as direct tension-free microsurgical repair or transplantation of a nerve autograft,are nowadays used to treat traumatic peripheral nerve injuries（PNI）,focused on the enhancement of the intrinsic regenerative potential of injured axons.However,these therapies fail to recreate the suitable cellular and molecular microenvironment of peripheral nerve repair and in some cases,the functional recovery of nerve injuries is incomplete.Thus,new biomedical engineering strategies based on tissue engineering approaches through molecular intervention and scaffolding offer promising outcomes on the field.In this sense,evidence is accumulating in both,preclinical and clinical settings,indicating that platelet-rich plasma products,and fibrin scaffold obtained from this technology,hold an important therapeutic potential as a neuroprotective,neurogenic and neuroinflammatory therapeutic modulator system,as well as enhancing the sensory and motor functional nerve muscle unit recovery.

Content of blood cell components,inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in autologous platelet-rich plasma obtained by various methods

BACKGROUND The evaluation of the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma(PRP) in clinical practice yields conflicting results and raises numerous controversies. This may be due to different concentrations of biologically active components in PRP obtained with the use of different methods of gravity separation.AIM To compare the content, repeatability and correlations between biologically active components in PRP obtained with four different commercial systems.METHODS From a whole blood sample of each of 12 healthy male volunteers, 4 PRP samples were prepared using 4 different commercial kits [Arthrex Autologous Conditioned Plasma(ACP), Mini GPS Ⅲ, Xerthra, Dr. PRP] in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturers. A comparative analysis of blood cell components-13 selected inflammatory cytokines and 7 growth factors-in the obtained PRP samples was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test by ranks. The repeatability of results in each method was evaluated by the estimation of the coefficient of variation. The Spearman correlation was used to estimate the relationship between blood cell content and cytokines.RESULTS Significantly higher concentrations of platelets(PLT), white blood cells(WBC) and red blood cells(RBC) were found in PRP obtained with the use of Mini GPS Ⅲ than in PRP obtained using other systems. Significant differences in the content of growth factors and cytokines in PRP were found. A positive correlation of the amount of PLT, RBC and WBC with the concentration of most of the growth factors was found but in only three inflammatory cytokines. The obtained correlations between blood cell components and cytokines differed between the systems in terms of statistical significance, which may be due to insufficient sample size. The repeatability of the obtained PLT concentration also varied between protocols with the lowest in Xerthra and the highest in Arthrex ACP.CONCLUSION Significant differences in the content of biologically active components and their repeatability were found in PRP obtained by various methods, providing new data for further research.

Value of Intrauterine Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy on Endometrial Receptivity:A Literature Review

Endometrial receptivity is an important factor that influences embryo implantation.Thus,it is important to identify an applicable approach to improve endometrial receptivity in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology.Recently,growing evidence has indicated that intrauterine platelet-rich plasma(PRP)infusion is an effective method to obtain a satisfactory reproductive outcome by increasing endometrial thickness and improving endometrial receptivity.Therefore,the present review aims to outline the possible mechanisms of PRP on endometrial receptivity and summarize the present literature on the effects of PRP therapy in improving endometrial receptivity.

An inside-out vein graft filled with platelet-rich plasma for repair of a short sciatic nerve defect in rats

Platelet-rich plasma containing various growth factors can promote nerve regeneration. An inside-out vein graft can substitute nerve autograft to repair short nerve defects. It is hypothesized that an inside-out vein graft filled with platelet-rich plasma shows better effects in the repair of short sciatic nerve defects. In this study, an inside-out vein autograft filled with platelet-rich plasma was used to bridge a 10 mm-long sciatic nerve defect in rats. The sciatic nerve function of rats with an inside-out vein autograft filled with platelet-rich plasma was better improved than that of rats with a simple inside-out vein autograft. At 6 and 8 weeks, the sciatic nerve function of rats with an inside-out vein autograft filled with platelet-rich plasma was better than that of rats undergoing nerve autografting. Compared with the sciatic nerve repaired with a simple inside-out vein autograft, the number of myelinated axons was higher, axon diameter and myelin sheath were greater in the sciatic nerve repaired with an inside-out vein autograft filled with plateletrich plasma and they were similar to those in the sciatic nerve repaired with nerve autograft. These findings suggest that an inside-out vein graft filled with platelet-rich plasma can substitute nerve autograft to repair short sciatic nerve defects.

Platelet-rich plasma promotes peripheral nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve injury

The effect of platelet-rich plasma on nerve regeneration remains controversial.In this study,we established a rabbit model of sciatic nerve small-gap defects with preserved epineurium and then filled the gaps with platelet-rich plasma.Twenty-eight rabbits were divided into the following groups(7 rabbits/group):model,low-concentrati on PRP(2.5-3.5-fold concentration of whole blood platelets),medium-concentration PRP(4.5-6.5-fold concentration of whole blood platelets),and high-concentration PRP(7.5-8.5-fold concentration of whole blood platelets).Electrophysiological and histomorphometrical assessments and proteomics analysis we re used to evaluate regeneration of the sciatic nerve.Our results showed that platelet-rich plasma containing 4.5-6.5-and 7.5-8.5-fold concentrations of whole blood platelets promoted repair of sciatic nerve injury.Proteomics analysis was performed to investigate the possible mechanism by which platelet-rich plasma promoted nerve regeneration.Proteomics analysis showed that after sciatic nerve injury,platelet-rich plasma increased the expression of integrin subunitβ-8(ITGB8),which participates in angiogenesis,and differentially expressed proteins were mainly enriched in focal adhesion pathways.Additionally,two key proteins,ribosomal protein S27 a(RSP27 a)and ubiquilin 1(UBQLN1),which were selected after protein-protein interaction analysis,are involved in the regulation of ubiquitin levels in vivo.These data suggest that platelet-rich plasma promotes peripheral nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve injury by affecting angiogenesis and intracellular ubiquitin levels.

Adjunctive platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid injection after arthroscopic debridement in Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 and 4 knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis(OA)is the most common cause of pain and disability,predominantly affecting the knee.The current management of knee OA falls short of completely stopping disease progression,particularly in Kellgren-Lawrence(KL)grade 3 and 4 knee OA.As such,joint replacement is often recommended,although only 15%-33%of candidates accept it.Alternative therapeutic options are still needed to prevent the progression of joint damage and delay the need for knee arthroplasty.AIM To investigate the effect of adjunctive platelet rich plasma(PRP)and hyaluronic acid(HA)after arthroscopic debridement in KL grade 3 and 4 knee OA.METHODS This retrospective cohort study used the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC)score and WOMAC sub-scores(pain,stiffness,and function)to assess 21 patients,grouped according to medical record data of treatment received:Arthroscopic debridement(n=7);arthroscopic debridement with PRP(n=7);or arthroscopic debridement with HA(n=7).WOMAC scores and sub-scores at baseline and at 3 mo and 5 mo posttreatment were recorded.The three-group data were statistically analyzed using the tests of paired t,one-way analysis of variance,and post hoc least significant difference.RESULTS All three treatment groups showed significant improvements in WOMAC score and sub-scores from before treatment to 3 mo and 5 mo after treatment.However,the arthroscopic debridement with PRP treatment group,in particular,showed a significantly lower WOMAC pain score than the group who received arthroscopic debridement alone at 5 mo after the procedure(P=0.03).CONCLUSION Compared to arthroscopic debridement alone,adjunctive PRP after arthroscopic debridement significantly lessened the patients’pain symptom.

Platelet-rich plasma vs bone marrow aspirate concentrate:An overview of mechanisms of action and orthobiologic synergistic effects

The use of orthobiologics as a novel therapy for the treatment of numerous musculoskeletal disorders has increased considerably over the past decade.Currently,there are multiple alternatives available as suitable treatments;however,the use of autologous blood-derived products such as platelet-rich plasma(PRP),bone marrow aspirate(BMA)and BMA concentrate(BMAC),specifically,is expanding.Although many investigations attempted to demonstrate the effectiveness of these therapies,even with positive results,the literature lacks standardized protocols and overall accuracy in study designs,which leads to variance and difficulty in reproducibility of protocols.The efficacy of PRP for the treatment of cartilage,bone and muscle tissues is well known.Although BMAC has generated optimistic results for the same purposes,its applicability in clinical trials is still relatively recent when compared to PRP.Both products demonstrate the potential to set forth reparative processes,each in their own distinct mechanism.The combination of these biological products has been previously proposed,yet little is known about their synergism.Evidence indicates that growth factor,cytokine,and chemokine profiles seen in both PRP and BMAC vary but are likely to work synergistically to enhance musculoskeletal healing.BMAC products seem to work well without PRP;however,the addition of PRP to BMAC has been shown to act as a rich and natural source of culture medium for stem cells located either peripherally or in the bone marrow itself.Nevertheless,additional variables associated with the use of BMAC and PRP in orthopedics must be further evaluated in order to consolidate the efficacy of this therapeutic strategy.

Platelet-rich plasma-induced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells versus autologous nerve grafting for sciatic nerve repair

Autologous nerve grafting is the gold standard of peripheral nerve repair.We previously showed that autologous platelet-rich plasma（PRP）contains high concentrations of growth factors and can induce in vitro cultured bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells（BMSCs）to differentiate into Schwann cells.Here we used PRP-induced BMSCs combined with chemically extracted acellular nerves to repair sciatic nerve defects and compared the effect with autologous nerve grafting.The BMSCs and chemically extracted acellular nerve promoted target muscle wet weight restoration,motor nerve conduction velocity,and axonal and myelin sheath regeneration,with similar effectiveness to autologous nerve grafting.This finding suggests that PRP induced BMSCs can be used to repair peripheral nerve defects.

Effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of Achilles tendon disease

BACKGROUND The effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma(PRP)in the treatment of patients with Achilles tendon rupture(ATR)and Achilles tendinopathy(AT)has been controversial.AIM To assess PRP injections’effectiveness in treating ATR and AT.METHODS A comprehensive review of relevant literature was conducted utilizing multiple databases such as Cochrane Library,PubMed,Web of Science,Chinese Science and Technology Journal,EMBASE,and China Biomedical CD-ROM.The present investigation integrated randomized controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma injections in managing individuals with Achilles tendon rupture and tendinopathy.The eligibility criteria for the trials encompassed publications that were published within the timeframe of January 1,1966 to December 2022.The statistical analysis was performed utilizing the Review Manager 5.4.1,the visual analogue scale(VAS),Victorian Institute Ankle Function Scale(VISA-A),and Achilles Tendon Thickness were used to assess outcomes.RESULTS This meta-analysis included 13 randomized controlled trials,8 of which were randomized controlled trials of PRP for AT and 5 of which were randomized controlled trials of PRP for ATR.PRP for AT at 6 wk[weighted mean difference(WMD)=1.92,95%CI:-0.54 to 4.38,I2=34%],at 3 mo[WMD=0.20,95%CI:-2.65 to 3.05,I2=60%],and 6 mo[WMD=2.75,95%CI:-2.76 to 8.26,I2=87%)after which there was no significant difference in VISA-A scores between the PRP and control groups.There was no significant difference in VAS scores between the PRP group and the control group after 6 wk[WMD=6.75,95%CI:-6.12 to 19.62,I2=69%]and 6 mo[WMD=10.46,95%CI:-2.44 to 23.37,I2=69%]of treatment,and at mid-treatment at 3 mo[WMD=11.30,95%CI:7.33 to 15.27,I2=0%]after mid-treatment,the PRP group demonstrated better outcomes than the control group.Post-treatment patient satisfaction[WMD=1.07,95%CI:0.84 to 1.35,I2=0%],Achilles tendon thickness[WMD=0.34,95%CI:-0.04 to 0.71,I2=61%]and return to sport[WMD=1.11,95%CI:0.87 to 1.42,I2=0%]were not significantly different between the PRP and control groups.The study did not find any statistically significant distinction between the groups that received PRP treatment and those that did not,regarding the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles scores at 3 mo[WMD=-1.49,95%CI:-5.24 to 2.25,I2=0%],6 mo[WMD=-0.24,95%CI:-3.80 to 3.32,I2=0%],and 12 mo[WMD=-2.02,95%CI:-5.34 to 1.29,I2=87%]for ATR patients.Additionally,no significant difference was observed between the PRP and the control groups in improving Heel lift height respectively at 6 mo[WMD=-3.96,95%CI:-8.61 to 0.69,I2=0%]and 12 mo[WMD=-1.66,95%CI:-11.15 to 7.83,I2=0%]for ATR patients.There was no significant difference in calf circumference between the PRP group and the control group after 6 mo[WMD=1.01,95%CI:-0.78 to 2.80,I2=54%]and 12 mo[WMD=-0.55,95%CI:-2.2 to 1.09,I2=0%]of treatment.There was no significant difference in ankle mobility between the PRP and control groups at 6 mo of treatment[WMD=-0.38,95%CI:-2.34 to 1.58,I2=82%]and after 12 mo of treatment[WMD=-0.98,95%CI:-1.41 to-0.56,I2=10%]there was a significant improvement in ankle mobility between the PRP and control groups.There was no significant difference in the rate of return to exercise after treatment[WMD=1.20,95%CI:0.77 to 1.87,I2=0%]and the rate of adverse events[WMD=0.85,95%CI:0.50 to 1.45,I2=0%]between the PRP group and the control group.CONCLUSION The use of PRP for AT improved the patient’s immediate VAS scores but not VISA-A scores,changes in Achilles tendon thickness,patient satisfaction,or return to sport.Treatment of ATR with PRP injections alone improved long-term ankle mobility but had no significant effect on VISA-A scores,single heel lift height,calf circumference or return to sport.Additional research employing more extensive sampling sizes,more strict experimental methods,and standard methodologies may be necessary to yield more dependable and precise findings.

Has platelet-rich plasma any role in partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament?Prospective comparative study

BACKGROUND Partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)are frequent,and there is still considerable controversy surrounding their diagnosis,natural history and treatment.AIM To examine patient-reported outcomes,physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)findings of partial ACL tears treated with an intraarticular injection of platelet-rich plasma(PRP)compared to a control group.METHODS From January 2015 to November 2017,consecutive patients from a single institution with partial ACL tears treated nonoperatively were prospectively evaluated.Partial tears were defined as a positive Lachman test with a clear endpoint,a negative pivot-shift and less than 3 mm of side-to-side difference using the KT1000 arthrometer.Patients in group 1 were treated with one intraarticular injection of PRP and specific physical therapy protocol.Control group consisted of patients treated only with physical therapy.Prospective analyzed data included physical examination,Tegner activity level and Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores.Baseline MRI findings and at 6 mo follow-up were reviewed.Failure was defined as those patients with clinical instability at follow-up that required a subsequent ACL reconstruction.RESULTS A total of 40 patients where included,21 treated with PRP injection with a mean follow-up of 25 mo[standard deviation(SD):3.6]and 19 in the control group with a mean follow-up of 25 mo(SD:5.68).Overall failure rate was 32.0%(n=13).No significant differences were observed between groups regarding subjective outcomes,return to sport and failure rate.MRI findings revealed an improvement in the ACL signal in half of the patients of both groups.However,we did not find a significant relationship between MRI findings and clinical outcomes.CONCLUSION Overall,95.0%of patients returned to sports at a mean follow-up of 25 mo.Mean time to return to sports was 4 mo.Out of these patients,almost 30.0%in each group had a new episode of instability and required surgery at a median time of 5 mo in group 1 and 8 mo in group 2.The addition of PRP alone was not sufficient to enhance any of the outcome measures evaluated,including MRI images,clinical evaluation and failure rate.