The Effects of Platelet Rich Plasma on the Integrity of Rotator Cuff Repair

Increased age, larger tear size, and more advanced fatty degeneration of the rotator cuff musculature have been correlated with poorer healing rates after rotator cuff repair. Platelets are an endogenous source of growth factors present during rotator cuff healing.

The investigators hypothesis is that augmentation of rotator cuff repairs with platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) may improve the biology of rotator cuff healing and thus improve functional outcome scores and retear rates after repair.

Rotator cuff tears at risk for retear were prospectively identified using an algorithm; points were assigned for age (50-59 years = 1; 60-69 years = 2; .70 years = 3), anterior-to-posterior tear size (2-2.9 cm = 0; 3-3.9 cm = 1; .4 cm = 2), and fatty atrophy (Goutallier score 0-2 = 0; Goutallier score 3-4 = 1). Three points were required for enrollment. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was performed with the addition of PRFM. Preoperative and 1-year postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional outcome scores were obtained. Imaging and functional outcomes were compared with historical controls meeting the same enrollment criteria.

Enrollment for the study began in September 2008 and continued until March 2010.

Inclusion criteria

• Algorithm score greater and equal to 3
• Both men and women over the age of 50
• Full-thickness rotator cuff tear at least 2 cm in size
• Tear repairable by arthoscopic-only techniques

Exclusion criteria

• Inflamation joint disease
• Active use of oral steroids
• Irreparable rotator cuff tear
• Subscapularis tear requiring open repair
• Claustrophobia
• Prior rotator cuff sugery on the affected shoulder
• Failure to return for follow-up magnetic resonance imaging scan