Published: J Orthop Res. 2016 Apr;34(4):607-15. doi: 10.1002/jor.23054. Epub 2015 Oct 2.
Authors: Cook JL, Smith PA, Bozynski CC, Kuroki K, Cook CR, Stoker AM, Pfeiffer FM
Summary: Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is used to treat many musculoskeletal disorders. In this study, a canine model was used to determine the effects of multiple intra-articular injections of leukoreduced PRP (ACP) on anterior cruciate ligament healing, meniscal healing, and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). With Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) approval, 12 dogs underwent partial ACL transection and meniscal release in one knee. At weeks 1, 2, 3, 6, and 8 after insult, dogs were treated with intra-articular injections (2 ml) of either ACP (n = 6) or saline (n = 6). Dogs were assessed over 6 months to determine comfortable range of motion (CROM), lameness, pain, effusion, kinetics, and radiographic and arthroscopic assessments. At 6-month endpoint, dogs were assessed for ACL material properties and histopathology. Saline-treated dogs had significantly (p < 0.04) more CROM loss, significantly (p < 0.01) more pain, significantly (p < 0.05) more severe lameness, significantly (p < 0.05) lower function, and significantly (p < 0.05) lower %Total Pressure Index in affected hindlimbs compared to ACP-treated dogs.
Key words: anterior cruciate ligament; intra-articular injection; knee; osteoarthritis; platelet rich plasma
