Does Autologous Conditioned Plasma Enhance Rotator Cuff Tendon Healing After Surgery?

Does Autologous Conditioned Plasma Enhance Rotator Cuff Tendon Healing After Surgery? A Radomized Control Trial.

The aim of this study is to establish if the application of autologous conditioned plasma (ACP), also described as platelet rich plasma (PRP), to the site of supraspinatus tendon repair beginning within two weeks of surgery, can improve patient outcomes over the course of 12 months. These outcomes will be measured by post-surgical pain and function scores, shoulder strength and range of motion (ROM), and radiological parameters of tendon healing. Outcome measures will be compared to a control group of patients receiving placebo injections following surgery (saline plus local anaesthetic).

This study is significant for being the first double blind randomised control trial, using two PRP injections to examine the efficacy of a PRP preparation following surgical repair of supraspinatus tendon. The objective is to prolong and enhance the tendon healing response initiated by surgery.

The research hypothesis is that enhanced tendon healing following the PRP injections will lead to more rapid rehabilitation and lower rates of re-rupture of the repaired tendon compared to the control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 50-75 years;
• In a non-dependent relationship;
• Full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear (deemed repairable);
• Pre-operative platelet count greater than 150 000.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous rotator cuff repair surgery;
• Active/distal infection;
• Metabolic bone or blood disorders;
• Pre-existing conditions associated with upper extremity pain;
• Rotator cuff tears secondary to fracture;
• Prior ACP/PRP injections;
• Non-surgical rotator cuff treatment in the past month, including corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory treatment.