Abstract
BACKGROUND: Slow graft healing in bone tunnels and a slow graft ligamentization process after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are some of the reasons for prolonged rehabilitation.
AIMS: The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of platelet gel (PG) accelerates early graft revascularization after ACL reconstruction.
METHODS: PG was produced from autologous platelet-rich plasma and applied locally. We quantitatively evaluated the revascularization process in the osteoligamentous interface zone in the bone tunnels and in the intra-articular part of the graft by means of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
RESULTS: After 4-6 weeks, the PG-treated group demonstrated a significantly higher level of vascularization in the osteoligamentous interface (0.33 ± 0.09) than the control group (0.16 ± 0.09, p < 0.001). In the intra-articular part of the graft, we found no evidence of revascularization in either group.
CONCLUSION: Locally applied PG enhanced early revascularization of the graft in the osteoligamentous interface zone after ACL reconstruction.
Authors: M Vogrin, M Rupreht, D Dinevski, M Hašpl, M Kuhta, M Jevsek, M Knežević, P Rožman
Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Disclaimer: Austin Ortho+Biologics is not affiliated with the data, content, or conclusions of this article.
