Article

Activated platelets release a cocktail of growth factors,
some of which are thought to stimulate repair. We investigated whether the use of
autologous platelet gel (PG) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) would improve wound
healing and knee function, and reduce blood loss and the use of analgesics.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: 102 patients undergoing TKA were randomly assigned to a PG
group (n = 50) or to a control (C) group (n = 52). The primary analysis was based
on 73 participants (PG: 32; C: 41) with comparison of postoperative wound scores,
VAS, WOMAC, knee function, use of analgesics, and the pre- and postoperative
hemoglobin values after a follow-up of 3 months. 29 participants were excluded
due to insufficient data. RESULTS: The characteristics of the protocol-compliant
patients were similar to those of the patients who were excluded. Analysis was
per protocol and focused on the remaining 73 patients. At baseline and after 3
months of follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences between
both groups regarding age, height, weight, sex, side of operation, platelet
count, hemoglobin values, severity of complaints (WOMAC), and level of pain.
INTERPRETATION: In our patients undergoing TKA, application of PG to the wound
site did not promote wound healing. Also, we found that PG had no effect on pain,
knee function, or hemoglobin values.

Langue : ANGLAIS