Platelet Rich Fibrin Combined with Hyaluronic Acid in the Treatment of Meniscal injuries: A Retrospective 1-Year Follow-Up Study

Author(s): Torbjörn Ogéus DC, PgD, MSc, ScA

Introduction: Meniscal injuries represent a significant clinical challenge, given the crucial role of the meniscus in maintaining knee joint stability, load distribution, and overall joint health. These injuries are prevalent among athletes and the general population, with their management often dependent on the location and severity of the tear. Current treatment modalities range from conservative management, including physical therapy, to surgical interventions like partial meniscectomy and meniscal repair. Biological therapies aim to exploit the body’s inherent healing potential by introducing bioactive agents that can modulate the local environment of the injury site. Among these, Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) and Hyaluronic Acid (HA) have emerged as promising candidates due to their synergistic effects on tissue regeneration.

Methods: This is a retrospective database cohort study. The clinic database was searched for patients that had undergone PRF combined with HA and ALB-PRF treatment for Meniscal injuries between January 2018 and November 2023. 78 patients were included in the study. The data analyzed were 1-year follow-up NRS scores of multiple clinical tests and sonographic pictures before the treatment, 1 month after, 3 months after and 12 months after the treatment.

Results: Statistically significant positive NRS score changes (p = 0,0001) were presented for all measured clinical outcomes. Sonographic positive changes were also presented; a mean decrease in structural changes of 5 mm (p = 0,0001) was seen.

Conclusion: In conclusion, PRF combined with HA and ALB-PRF is an effective treatment for clinically diagnosed meniscal injuries. Significantly lowered NRS pain scores in clinical and orthopedic tests as well as significant positive changes in sonographic pictures 3 months after the treatment combined with 1 year-follow-up data indicates significant longterm effects.