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STUDY: Rotator Cuff Repair Healing May Be Enhanced by Platelet Rich Plasma

A recent study revealed that using platelet rich plasma (PRP) during a rotator cuff repair may enhance healing. The findings of this study are significant because there had been little prior evidence of the benefits of using PRP during rotator cuff repair. This was the first controlled study to demonstrate the positive effects of PRP.

If you have suffered a tear to your rotator cuff and are interested in learning about treatment options, as well as the use of platelet rich plasma treatment during rotator cuff repair, please feel free to contact Meier Orthopedic Sports Medicine, a renowned private orthopedic practice in Beverly Hills. Dr. Steven Meier is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, and he specializes in innovative procedures, including minimally invasive arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

PRP and Rotator Cuff Repair Study

rotator-cuff-tear-repair-enhanced-by-prpThe PRP study, published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, examined the effect of PRP used along with rotator cuff repair in rabbits. The study was the first controlled laboratory study on the effects of PRP in addition to rotator cuff repair, making it significant because a controlled study provides a higher level of scientific evidence than other studies commonly performed.

In this investigation, both shoulders in each rabbit were treated with rotator cuff repair, one including PRP and the other without. The shoulders which were not treated with PRP served as the control, or comparison group. This method allowed the investigators to see if the addition of PRP to the repair made any difference in each rabbit by comparing the right and left shoulders.

The study showed that healing was enhanced when PRP treatment was added alongside the repair. As the authors point out, although these results are encouraging, it cannot be automatically assumed that the PRP would have the same effect in humans, and further investigation will be necessary.

Rotator Cuff Repair and Surgery

A torn rotator cuff involves the tearing of shoulder tendons, often causing shoulder pain and difficulty moving the shoulder. While in some cases conservative methods (such as corticosteroid injections, rest, and physical therapy) are sufficient for treatment, more severe torn rotator cuff cases require surgical treatment. Rotator cuff surgery can be performed arthroscopically, which allows for a better view inside the joint, as well as smaller incisions on the outside. During the procedure, an orthopedic surgeon inserts an arthroscope (a tiny camera that connects to a monitor in the operating room) into a small incision called a portal, and performs the rotator cuff repair while watching the monitor.

Because Dr. Meier utilizes the most advanced, minimally invasive techniques in his rotator cuff repair, patients typically enjoy a faster recovery time than with more invasive procedures.

Schedule a Rotator Cuff Evaluation With a Top Surgeon in Los Angeles

Dr. Meier is a leading expert in the most advanced shoulder surgery techniques, and specializes in minimally invasive arthroscopic shoulder surgery. If you have suffered a rotator cuff tear and are interested in learning more about your treatment options, please contact Meier Orthopedic Sports Medicine in Los Angeles. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Meier, world-renowned orthopedic Beverly Hills surgeon, by calling (310) 777-7845 or by filling out our online contact form.

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The information available on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to replace a medical consultation where a physician's judgment may advise you about specific disorders, conditions and or treatment options. We hope the information will be useful for you to become more educated about your health care decisions.