PRP After Microfracture for OLT: RCT Showing Enhanced Function
Guney A · Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc (2015)
DOI: 10.1007/s00167-014-3138-7This randomized comparative study tested whether PRP injection administered 6-24 hours after arthroscopic microfracture improved outcomes for full-thickness talar dome osteochondral lesions. At 16 months follow-up, the combined PRP + microfracture group showed significantly better functional outcomes.
Clinical Relevance
Demonstrates that timing of PRP administration matters. Administering PRP within 24 hours of microfracture allows growth factors to act on the freshly exposed bone marrow elements, enhancing chondrogenic differentiation.
Key Takeaways
- PRP + microfracture superior to microfracture alone at 16 months
- AOFAS and FAAM significantly improved (p=0.001)
- VAS pain reduced (p=0.001)
- PRP administered 6-24 hours after microfracture surgery
- 35 patients with full-thickness talar lesions
- PRP group had paradoxically higher VAS at 12-24 months (transient post-injection effect)
- Overall functional outcome clearly favored PRP augmentation
Key Findings
35 patients with full-thickness talar lesions. Microfracture + PRP significantly improved functional scores (AOFAS, FAAM, p=0.001) and VAS (p=0.001) at 16 months vs microfracture alone.
Clinical Context
Study Design
Randomized Comparative Study
Condition
Full-Thickness Talar Dome Osteochondral Lesion (Post-Microfracture)
Sample Size
35 patients
Follow-up
16 months
Control Group
Arthroscopic microfracture alone
Primary Outcome
AOFAS, FAAM, VAS
PRP Protocol & Intervention
Injection Frequency
1 injection(s)
Guidance Method
Intra-articular (6-24 hours post-microfracture)