The use of platelet-rich fibrin with platelet-rich plasma support meniscal repair surgery

Introduction: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is the only autologous blood product that releases growth factors and has scaffolding properties. We hypothesized that the use of PRF and Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) would improve operative results, including the recovery of function and repaired meniscus.

Materials and methods: Seventeen patients underwent arthroscopic meniscus repair with PRF and PRP (PRF group) using our novel device for the injection of the PRF into the joint. Another five patients as a control group underwent meniscal repair without PRF and PRP (non-PRF group). The groups were compared in terms of clinical results (Tegner Activity Level Scale, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, and International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] scores) and changes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings before surgery and 6 months after surgery.

Results: The Lysholm and IKDC scores improved in all patients postoperatively. However, there was no significant differencies in the postoperative score between the PRF group and the non-PRF group. Follow-up MRI findings did not clearly show improvements.

Conclusions: PRF and PRP are autologous, safe, and cost-effective sources of growth factors. Therefore, we propose a new application of PRF and PRP for autologous transplantation in meniscus repair surgery.