The clinical effect of platelet-rich plasma injections on symptomatic meniscal tears of the knee

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to assess the clinical efficacy of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injections in symptomatic meniscus tears of the knee.
METHODS: Forty one patients (12 males, 29 females; mean age 38.2±8.37 years; range 21 to 50 years) with meniscal tear included in the study. Lateral patellofemoral approach was used for intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injections. The platelet-rich plasma applications were performed three times one week apart. Patients were evaluated usingVisual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Lequesne Index. Baseline scores were obtained pre-first injection and compared to satisfaction scores one- and four-weeks post-last injections.
RESULTS: Compared with pre-treatment, at post-treatment weeks 1 and 4, both VAS and Lequesne Index scores significantly decreased (p<0.001). Also, compared with post-treatment week 1, at post-treatment week 4, both VAS and Lequesne Index scores significantly decreased (p<0.001).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that platelet-rich plasma injections improve pain and disability in patients with meniscus tears of the knee.