Effects of platelet-rich plasma on the quality of repair of mechanically induced core lesions in equine superficial digital flexor tendons: A placebo-controlled experimental study.
Abstract: Tendon injuries are notorious for their slow and functionally inferior healing. Intratendinous application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been reported to stimulate the repair process of tendon injuries, but there is little conclusive evidence for its effectiveness. A placebo-controlled experimental trial was performed to test the hypothesis that a single intratendinous PRP treatment enhances the quality of tendon repair, as evidenced by improved biochemical, biomechanical, and histological tissue properties. In six horses, tendon lesions were created surgically in the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendons (SDFT) of both front limbs, one of which was treated with PRP and the other with saline. After 24 weeks, the tendons were harvested for biochemical, biomechanical, and histological evaluations. Collagen, glycosaminoglycan, and DNA content (cellularity) was higher in PRP-treated tendons (p = 0.039, 0.038, and 0.034, respectively). The repair tissue in the PRP group showed a higher strength at failure (p = 0.021) and Elastic Modulus (p = 0.019). Histologically, PRP-treated tendons featured better organization of the collagen network (p = 0.031) and signs of increased metabolic activity (p = 0.031). It was concluded that PRP increases metabolic activity and seems to advance maturation of repair tissue over nontreated experimentally induced tendon lesions, which suggests that PRP might be beneficial in the treatment of clinical tendon injuries.
(c) 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society.
Publication Date: 2009-08-29 PubMed ID: 19714688DOI: 10.1002/jor.20980Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Controlled Clinical Trial
- Journal Article
Summary
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This research investigates the potential benefits of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment on injury repair in horse tendons. By comparing the effects against a placebo, the study confirmed that PRP could enrich tissue repair with significantly improved cellular activity and structural integrity.
Introduction
- Tendons, the fibrous connective tissues that connect muscle to bone, generally take a long time to heal after an injury and often result in compromised functionality.
- Previous reports mentioned the potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in aiding the healing process of tendon injuries, although substantial evidence was lacking.
- The study sought to verify the effectiveness of PRP treatment in enhancing the quality of tendon repair, looking specifically at biochemical, biomechanical, and histological aspects of the tissue recovery process.
Methodology
- For the experimental setup, six horses were chosen. In each horse, tendon lesions were surgically created in the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendons (SDFT) of both front limbs. One limb was treated with PRP and the other with saline (the placebo).
- After 24 weeks of treatment, scientists harvested the tendons to assess biochemical, biomechanical, and histological characteristics.
Findings
- The PRP-treated tendons showed increased levels of collagen, glycosaminoglycan, and DNA content (indicating higher cellularity) compared to the placebo.
- The repaired tissue in the PRP group was stronger at the point of failure, indicating a higher Elastic Modulus – a measure of a material’s resistance to being deformed elastically.
- Under histological analysis, the PRP-treated tendons demonstrated a better-arranged collagen network and signs of increased metabolic activity. Both indicate a more advanced tissue healing.
Conclusion
- From the experimental evidence gathered, the study concluded that PRP enhances metabolic activity in the tendons and seems to expedite their repair.
- Such findings suggest that PRP treatment might be a beneficial application for clinical tendon injuries.
Cite This Article
APA
Bosch G, van Schie HT, de Groot MW, Cadby JA, van de Lest CH, Barneveld A, van Weeren PR.
(2009).
Effects of platelet-rich plasma on the quality of repair of mechanically induced core lesions in equine superficial digital flexor tendons: A placebo-controlled experimental study.
J Orthop Res, 28(2), 211-217.
https://doi.org/10.1002/jor.20980 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. g.bosch@uu.nl
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biological Therapy / methods
- Biological Therapy / veterinary
- Collagen / metabolism
- DNA / metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Elasticity
- Female
- Glycosaminoglycans / metabolism
- Horse Diseases / therapy
- Horses
- Male
- Orthopedic Procedures / methods
- Orthopedic Procedures / veterinary
- Platelet-Rich Plasma
- Tendon Injuries / physiopathology
- Tendon Injuries / therapy
- Tendon Injuries / veterinary
- Tendons / metabolism
- Tendons / physiopathology
- Tensile Strength
- Treatment Outcome
- Wound Healing / physiology
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