PRP vs Conservative Treatment for Partial ACL Injury in Athletes
Laimujam SD · Int J Advances in Medicine (2022)
DOI: 10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20221876This RCT tested ultrasound-guided PRP injection plus rehabilitation versus rehabilitation alone in 48 athletes with partial (grade 1-2) ACL injuries. Unlike ACL reconstruction augmentation studies, this examined PRP as a non-surgical treatment for partial tears. The PRP group showed significantly better IKDC and Lysholm scores and lower VAS pain at 4, 8, and 12 months. This represents a distinct clinical scenario from complete ACL tears requiring reconstruction.
Clinical Relevance
Opens a potential role for PRP in non-surgical management of partial ACL tears, a situation where the intact ligament fibers may serve as a scaffold for PRP-enhanced healing. This is a different clinical question from PRP augmentation during surgical reconstruction.
Key Takeaways
- PRP + rehab significantly superior to rehab alone at 4, 8, and 12 months
- IKDC and Lysholm scores both significantly improved
- Tested in partial ACL tears (grade 1-2), not complete ruptures
- Ultrasound-guided injection directly to the ligament
- 48 athletes (small but focused population)
- PRP may support ligament healing in partial tears where some intact fibers remain
Key Findings
48 athletes. PRP + rehab significantly improved IKDC and Lysholm vs rehab alone at 4, 8, 12 months. PRP may have a role in PARTIAL ACL tears.
Clinical Context
Study Design
Randomized Controlled Trial
Condition
Partial ACL Injury (Grade 1-2) in Athletes
Sample Size
48 patients
Follow-up
12 months
Control Group
Rehabilitation alone
Primary Outcome
IKDC, Lysholm, VAS
PRP Protocol & Intervention
Injection Frequency
1 injection(s)
Guidance Method
Ultrasound-guided