Synovial Fluid Withdrawal or PRP Injection For Acute ACL Tears and Cytokines

Does Arthrocentesis and PRP For Acute ACL Tears With Hemarthrosis Decrease Inflammatory Cytokines At Time Of Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Control Trial (RCT)

The purpose of this study is to determine what effects the withdrawal of excess knee joint fluid or the injection of a factor from the blood has on swelling after a sudden anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture of the knee.

The body responds to different stresses by releasing factors in the blood and fluids in response to stressors like injury, surgery or certain treatments. Some of these factors help heal and some make the injury and body swell (inflammation). In this study we want to see if the intervention of withdrawing fluid the knee or the addition of an enriched healing factor called platelet rich plasma (PRP) injected in the knee influences the body to produce healing factors in the knee joint fluid.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 - 50
• English-speaking
• Clinical evidence of ACL rupture with swelling
• Participant must be undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age <18 or >50
• Presentation >3 weeks after initial injury
• Previous traumatic ipsilateral (same side) knee injury consistent with chronic ACL tear or prior ACL surgery
• > Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 changes on preoperative x-ray
• History of hemophilia or inflammatory arthropathy (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)