Platelet rich plasma in rotator cuff repair

Despite clinical success rates over 85%, persistent anatomic defects after rotator cuff repair are common and depend on the size of the tear repaired. The etiology of delayed or failed tendon to bone healing is multifactorial and biologic augmentation of a rotator cuff repair would be clinically desirable. Autogenous platelets contain many growth factors and are critical in the physiology of bone, soft tissue, and wound healing. Growth factors present in platelets include TGF-B, FGF, PDGF, EGF, and VEGF. Centrifugation techniques have been developed to create platelet rich plasma (PRP). These PRP preparations are designed to concentrate platelets and the growth factors they provide. PRP has been used to augment healing in various animal models as well as clinical situations in humans. This review examines the potential of using PRP to augment rotator cuff repair.