Patients who undergo rotator cuff repairs have a high risk of retears in the following years. Overtime, orthopaedic surgeons have made technological and surgical advances that reduce the risk of re-injury. Better rehabilitation has also helped to decrease the number of recurring injuries.
Some patients have asked about using a “biologic aid,” like platelet rich plasma (PRP), to improve healing.
According to a recent article in The American Journal of Sports Medicine, a new study shows that the use of PRP failed to help improve re-tear rates and, in fact, suggested a slightly increase risk in infection rates. Given these findings the routine use of PRP among a high risk retear population is not recommended.
Reference: The American Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 40 No. 2, 2012.
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Dr. Ernesto Luciano-Perez is a Hampton Roads physician who specializes in Sports Medicine, Arthroscopic Surgery and General Orthopaedics. He received his board certification in 1993 from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Luciano-Perez’s affiliations and memberships include Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, Arthroscopy Association of North America, American Medical Association, Virginia Orthopaedic Society and Southern Orthopaedic Association.