Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatments of Horizontal Meniscal Tears: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Background: Meniscus injuries remain the most common indication for orthopedic surgery. Due to advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the number of patients diagnosed with meniscus injuries that do not extend into the articular surface has increased. Although treatments of complete meniscal tears are defined, treatment of meniscus injuries that do not extend into the articular surface is not clear yet.Objective: To determine the most optimal way of delivering platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the knee joint for treatment of meniscus injuries (not extending into the articular surface) so that patients would improve clinically, and it would have also an effect on the meniscus shown on MRI.Materials and methods: We studied treatment results in 87 patients (50 men and 37 women). The patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 received an ultrasound-guided PRP injection into the posterior horn, and group 2 received a standard intra-articular PRP injection via the superolateral approach. The treatment efficacy was assessed using visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index, Lysholm score, and Knee Society Score (KSS). We also assessed changes on MRI 6 and 12 months after treatment.Results: The comparative analysis demonstrated that based on the findings of scores and MRI the ultrasound-guided intrameniscal PRP injection is more effective.Conclusions: Our results show that the intrameniscal PRP injection is a more effective and safe way to treat such meniscus injuries.