Use of Platelet Rich Plasma in the Management of Acute Hamstring Muscle Strain Injury

Clinical Utilization of Growth Factors Preparations in the Management of Acute Hamstring Muscle Strain Injury

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of utilizing complex growth factor preparations (Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) in the management of acute hamstring injuries.

The hypothesis is that the time to return to sport is shorter in the patient group treated with Complex Growth Factor Preparations (PRP) in combination with exercise therapy in comparison with 2 control groups:

• the patient group treated with Platelet Poor Plasma (PPP) injections in combination with exercise therapy (control injection AND usual care).
• the patient group treated with exercise therapy (usual care)

Inclusion Criteria:

• Acute onset posterior thigh pain
• MRI confirmed Grade I, II hamstring lesions
• < 5 days from injury
• Able to perform Physiotherapy at ASPETAR (5 sessions/week)
• Available for follow-up
• Male
• Age > 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diabetes, immuno-compromised state
• Overlying skin infection
• Re-injury or Chronic ongoing hamstring injury
• Unwilling to comply with follow up
• Contraindication to MRI
• Needle Phobia
• Bleeding disorder or other medical contraindication to injection
• Medication increasing bleeding risk (e.g. Plavix)
• Concurrent other injury inhibiting rehabilitation