Int J Sports Med 2016; 37(01): 36-42
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1554637
Orthopedics & Biomechanics
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Effect of Platelet-rich Fibrin Matrix on Rotator Cuff Healing in a Rat Model

S. Hasan
1   Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, United States
,
M. Weinberg
1   Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, United States
,
O. Khatib
1   Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, United States
,
L. Jazrawi
2   Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, United States
,
E. J. Strauss
2   Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted after revision 21 April 2015

Publication Date:
28 October 2015 (online)

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Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to determine if the application of platelet-rich fibrin matrix could improve regeneration of the tendon-bone insertion site in a rat rotator cuff repair model. 25 Lewis syngeneic rats underwent bilateral tenotomy and repair of the supraspinatus tendon. 10 separate rats were used for PRFM harvest. All left (control) shoulders underwent transosseous rotator cuff repair, while all right (treatment) shoulders were repaired similarly with PRFM augmentation. 9 rats were sacrificed at 2-weeks and ten at 4-weeks for biomechanical testing. 3 separate rats were sacrificed at 2-weeks and 4-weeks each for histologic analysis of the insertion site. At 2 weeks, the experimental group repairs were significantly stronger in ultimate load to failure (P=0.01), stress (P=0.03), and stiffness (P=0.03). Differences in biomechanical testing were not found between the groups at 4 weeks. Histological analysis revealed less collagen organization and cartilage formation at the insertion site in the experimental group. Semiquantitative histologic analysis confirmed our qualitative assessment of the specimens. PRFM does not recapitulate the native enthesis, but rather induces an exuberant and disordered healing response that is characterized by fibrovascular scar tissue.