Radiofrequency combined with platelet-rich plasma for repair of white meniscal tears / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Both biological and physical methods contribute to the repair of white meniscal tears, so the combined use will be better. OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of radiofrequency combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the repair of white meniscal tears. METHODS: Forty-eight adult New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups, including simple suture, radiofrequency, PRP, and combination groups, and then the model of medial meniscus posterior root tears was established in all experimental animals. The simple suture group underwent interrupted mattress suture; the radiofrequency group was treated with radiofrequency (20 W, 45 ℃) after suture; the PRP group received the intra-articular injection of PRP after suture; the combination group was firstly treated with radiofrequency after suture, and then underwent the intra-articular injection of PRP. The gross and histological changes of the meniscus were observed, and the expression levels of transforming growth factor β1, vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor were detected at 3 and 12 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: At 12 weeks after operation, the simple suture group showed no healing; the radiofrequency and PRP groups healed partially; and the combination group healed completely, and chondrocytes and collagen fibers arranged regularly. There was a significant difference in the healing rate between combination and simple suture groups (P=0.003). At 3 weeks postoperatively, the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in the radiofrequency, PRP and combination groups were obviously higher than that in the simple suture group, which decreased markedly at the 12th week. At 3 weeks postoperatively, the expression level of platelet-derived growth factor was increased in all groups, especially in the PRP and combination groups. The PRP group showed the highest level of transforming growth factor β1 at 12 weeks postoperatively. These results manifest that the combination of radiofrequency and PRP promotes the repair of white meniscal tears by increasing the cell proliferation, cell mitosis and angiogenesis.