Development of a Device to Obtain Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP).

Objective To present an innovative device that applies the double centrifugation method to obtain platelet-rich plasma (PRP), assessing whether there was an effective increase in the concentration of platelets. Method Ten volunteers underwent blood collection. The samples were separated in 20 ml syringes, sealed and subjected to the double centrifugation protocol at 1,100 revolutions per minute (rpm) for 15 minutes, resulting in the separation of red blood cells, plasma with platelets, and leukocytes. Then, 10 ml syringes were added to remove 9 ml, respecting the "buffy coat" parameter, collecting 8 ml above and 1 ml below for the second centrifugation and transferring again to the 20 ml syringe. The plasma was again centrifuged at 1,550 rpm for 10 minutes; as a result, it was divided into two parts: at the top, consisting of low platelet plasma (LPP), and at the bottom, by the platelet button. Part of the LPP was discarded, leaving only 3 ml with the platelet button. The cells were then counted. Results This innovative device was able to increase the concentration of platelets by almost three times compared with the baseline. In addition, the preparation time for the PRP was adequate, lasting only 35 to 40 minutes. Conclusions Platelet-rich plasma was successfully obtained by the double centrifuge protocol, allowing its clinical use. In addition, obtaining through the presented device promotes greater applicability in the preparation of PRP in specific centers, furthermore, being a quick and economical way to obtain PRP.

Development of a Device to Obtain Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) / Desenvolvimento de um dispositivo para obter plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP)

Abstract Objective To present an innovative device that applies the double centrifugation method to obtain platelet-rich plasma (PRP), assessing whether there was an effective increase in the concentration of platelets. Method Ten volunteers underwent blood collection. The samples were separated in 20 ml syringes, sealed and subjected to the double centrifugation protocol at 1,100 revolutions per minute (rpm) for 15 minutes, resulting in the separation of red blood cells, plasma with platelets, and leukocytes. Then, 10 ml syringes were added to remove 9 ml, respecting the "buffy coat" parameter, collecting 8 ml above and 1 ml below for the second centrifugation and transferring again to the 20 ml syringe. The plasma was again centrifuged at 1,550 rpm for 10 minutes; as a result, it was divided into two parts: at the top, consisting of low platelet plasma (LPP), and at the bottom, by the platelet button. Part of the LPP was discarded, leaving only 3 ml with the platelet button. The cells were then counted. Results This innovative device was able to increase the concentration of platelets by almost three times compared with the baseline. In addition, the preparation time for the PRP was adequate, lasting only 35 to 40 minutes. Conclusions Platelet-rich plasma was successfully obtained by the double centrifuge protocol, allowing its clinical use. In addition, obtaining through the presented device promotes greater applicability in the preparation of PRP in specific centers, furthermore, being a quick and economical way to obtain PRP.

Resumo Objetivo Apresentar um dispositivo inovador que aplique o método de centrifugação dupla para obter plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP), avaliando se houve um aumento efetivo na concentração de plaquetas. Método Dez voluntários foram submetidos a coleta de sangue. As amostras foram separadas em seringas de 20 mL, seladas e submetidas ao protocolo de centrifugação dupla a 1.100 revoluções por minuto (rpm) por 15 minutos, resultando na separação de hemácias, plasma com plaquetas e leucócitos. Em seguida, foram adicionadas seringas de 10 mL para remover 9 mL, tendo como parâmetro a "buffy coat", coletando 8 mL acima e 1 mL abaixo para a segunda centrifugação e transferindo novamente para a seringa de 20 mL. O plasma foi novamente centrifugado a 1.550 rpm por 10 minutos; como resultado, foi dividido em duas partes: na parte superior, consistindo em plasma pobre em plaquetas (PPP), e na parte inferior, pelo botão plaquetário. Parte do PPP foi descartada, restando apenas 3 mL com o botão de plaquetas. As células foram então contadas. Resultados Este dispositivo inovador foi capaz de aumentar a concentração de plaquetas em quase 3 vezes relação a linha de base. Além disso, o tempo de preparo do PRP foi adequado, com duração de apenas 35 a 40 minutos. Conclusões O PRP foi obtido com sucesso pelo protocolo de centrifugação dupla, permitindo seu uso clínico. Além disso, a obtenção através do dispositivo apresentado promove maior aplicabilidade no preparo do PRP em centros específicos, além de ser, uma forma rápida e econômica de obter PRP.

Platelet-Rich Plasma and Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome: Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective This research aims to study the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of patients with rotator cuff impingement syndrome compared with the treatment with subacromial injection of corticosteroids. Methods This is a double-blind, randomized, comparative clinical trial. The patients were clinically evaluated with the use of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) outcome measure, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale and Constant-Murley shoulder outcome score (CMS) on the day of application, and then again after 1, 3 and 6 months. Results No statistically significant differences were found ( p < 0.05) when comparing the results of the DASH outcome measure, UCLA shoulder rating scale and CMS of the two groups at baseline and after 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment with subacromial injection. After the treatment, both groups showed a significant improvement in the DASH and UCLA scores ( p < 0.05) when compared with the baseline. However, the CMS at 6 months after treatment with steroids was lower than the baseline. Concusions These findings suggest that PRP is a safe treatment and can be a useful tool in the therapeutic arsenal against of the rotator cuff diseases, for there was no significant difference between the subacromial use of PRP and corticosteroids.

Platelet-Rich Plasma and Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome: Randomized Clinical Trial / Plasma rico em plaquetas e corticoide no tratamento da síndrome de impacto do manguito rotador: Ensaio Clínico randomizado

Abstract Objective This research aims to study the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of patients with rotator cuff impingement syndrome compared with the treatment with subacromial injection of corticosteroids. Methods This is a double-blind, randomized, comparative clinical trial. The patients were clinically evaluated with the use of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) outcome measure, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale and Constant-Murley shoulder outcome score (CMS) on the day of application, and then again after 1, 3 and 6 months. Results No statistically significant differences were found (p < 0.05) when comparing the results of the DASH outcome measure, UCLA shoulder rating scale and CMS of the two groups at baseline and after 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment with subacromial injection. After the treatment, both groups showed a significant improvement in the DASH and UCLA scores (p < 0.05) when compared with the baseline. However, the CMS at 6 months after treatment with steroids was lower than the baseline. Concusions These findings suggest that PRP is a safe treatment and can be a useful tool in the therapeutic arsenal against of the rotator cuff diseases, for there was no significant difference between the subacromial use of PRP and corticosteroids.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a eficácia do uso de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) no tratamento de pacientes portadores de síndrome de impacto do manguito rotador em comparação ao tratamento com injeção subacromial de corticosteroides. Métodos O estudo é de caráter comparativo, longitudinal, duplo cego e randomizado. A evolução clínica dos pacientes foi quantificada pelas escalas The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) outcome measure, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale e Constant-Murley shoulder outcome score (CMS) no dia da aplicação, e novamente após 1, 3, e 6 meses. Resultados Não foram encontradas diferenças etsatisticamente significativas (p< 0.05) ao comparar os resultados do DASH outcome measure, UCLA shoulder rating scale, e CMS dos dois grupos na admissão. Após o tratamento, ambos os grupos apresentaram melhora significativa tanto do DASH, quanto do UCLA (p< 0,05). Entretanto, o escore do CMS referente ao tratamento com corticoide mostrou-se pior no 6° mês em comparação com o escore à admissão. Conclusão Esses achados sugerem que o PRP é um tratamento seguro e que pode ser uma ferramenta útil no arsenal terapêutico contra doenças do manguito rotador, uma vez que não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os grupos que receberam PRP e injeção subacromial de corticosteroides.

External fixator for treatment of the sub-acute and chronic multi-ligament-injured knee.

PURPOSE: To assess whether the use of an articulated external fixator provides improvements in the mobility, stability and subjective function of patients undergoing ligament reconstruction. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with sub-acute and chronic knee dislocation were subjected to multi-ligament reconstruction surgery. These patients were randomly allocated to two groups for immobilization after reconstruction: group 0-control (18 patients), with rigid knee bracing, and group 1-articulated external fixator (15 patients). The stability of the reconstructed ligaments was assessed after at least 14 months (26.6-month average) postoperatively by physical examination. Deficit of extension and flexion was measured in relation to the unaffected contralateral knee, and the Lysholm knee scoring scale questionnaire was applied. RESULTS: There was no difference in the assessment of joint stability between the groups. In group 1, patients showed less flexion deficit (4.8° ± 5.4° vs. 18.2° ± 14.8°, p < 0.05), and the percentage of patients with a flexion deficit of 5° or less were higher compared with group 0 (64 vs. 18 %, p < 0.05). There was no difference between groups in relation to extension loss. Group 1 also presented better Lysholm scores, with 73 % of patients rated as excellent or good compared with 35 % in group 0 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the control rehabilitation protocol with rigid knee bracing in extension, the use of an articulated external fixator in the treatment of chronic multi-ligament-injured knees provided the same ligament stability, better final range of motion and improved Lysholm score. Patients presenting with chronic multi-ligament instability should be considered for articulated external fixation to supplement reconstruction procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Randomized controlled trial, Level I.

Effect of hyaluronic acid on chondrocyte apoptosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the percentage of apoptotic cells in a contusion model of osteoarthritis (OA) and to assess whether intra-articular injection of high doses of hyaluronic acid (HA) immediately after trauma reduces chondrocyte apoptosis. METHODS: Forty knees from adult rabbits were impacted thrice with a 1 kg block released through a 1 meter tall cylinder (29.4 Joules). Subsequently, 2 mL of HA was injected in one knee and 2 mL saline in the contra-lateral knee. Medication were administered twice a week for 30 days, when animals were sacrificed. Specimens were prepared for optical microscopy exam and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase end labeling assay (TUNEL). RESULTS: The apoptosis rate in the contusion model was 68.01% (± 19.73%), a higher rate than previously described. HA significantly reduced the rate of apoptosis to 53.52% (± 18.09) (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: Intra-articular HA administration started immediately after trauma reduces impact-induced chondrocyte apoptosis rates in rabbits.

Effect of hyaluronic acid on chondrocyte apoptosis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the percentage of apoptotic cells in a contusion model of osteoarthritis (OA) and to assess whether intra-articular injection of high doses of hyaluronic acid (HA) immediately after trauma reduces chondrocyte apoptosis. METHODS: Forty knees from adult rabbits were impacted thrice with a 1 kg block released through a 1 meter tall cylinder (29.4 Joules). Subsequently, 2 mL of HA was injected in one knee and 2 mL saline in the contra-lateral knee. Medication were administered twice a week for 30 days, when animals were sacrificed. Specimens were prepared for optical microscopy exam and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase end labeling assay (TUNEL). RESULTS: The apoptosis rate in the contusion model was 68.01% (± 19.73%), a higher rate than previously described. HA significantly reduced the rate of apoptosis to 53.52% (± 18.09) (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: Intra-articular HA administration started immediately after trauma reduces impact-induced chondrocyte apoptosis rates in rabbits. Level of Evidence I, Experimental Study.

Transplante autólogo de condrócitos / Autologous chondrocyte implantation

Esta revisão da literatura descreve o processo do transplante autólogo de condrócitos em todas as suas etapas, indicações clínicas, técnica operatória, técnica laboratorial, reabilitação e resultados clínicos. Desde 1994, quando a técnica de ACI foi descrita pela primeira vez, este procedimento foi aprimorado e tornou-se uma das mais importantes alternativas cirúrgicas para o tratamento das lesões condrais do joelho. Nivel de Evidência II, Prospectivo Comparativo.

This literature review article describes the autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) process - its stages, clinical indications, surgical technique, laboratory protocol, rehabilitation and clinical outcomes. Since 1994, when the ACI was described for the first time, the procedure has improved to become one of the most important surgical alternatives for the treatment of chondral lesions of the knee.

AUTOLOGOUS CHONDROCYTE TRANSPLANTATION-SERIES OF 3 CASES.

Hyaline cartilage covers joint surfaces and plays an important role in reducing friction and mechanical loading on synovial joints such as the knee. This tissue is not supplied with blood vessels, nerves or lymphatic circulation, which may be one of the reasons why joint cartilage has such poor capacity for healing. Chondral lesions that reach the subchondral bone (osteochondral lesions) do not heal and may progress to arthrosis with the passage of time. In young patients, treatment of chondral defects of the knee is still a challenge, especially in lesions larger than 4 cm. One option for treating these patients is autologous chondrocyte transplantation/implantation. Because this treatment does not violate the subchondral bone and repairs the defect with tissue similar to hyaline cartilage, it has the theoretical advantage of being more biological, and mechanically superior, compared with other techniques. In this paper, we describe our experience with autologous chondrocyte transplantation/implantation at the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hospital das Clínicas, University of Sâo Paulo, through a report on three cases.

Transplante autólogo de condrócitos: relato de três casos / Autologous chondrocyte implantation: series of 3 cases

A cartilagem hialina recobre as superfícies articulares e tem um papel importante na redução da fricção e da carga mecânica das articulações sinoviais, como o joelho. Este tecido não é suprido de vasos, nervos ou circulação linfática, o que pode ser uma das razões pela qual a cartilagem articular tem uma péssima capacidade de cicatrização. As lesões condrais, quando atingem o osso subcondral (lesão osteocondral), não cicatrizam e podem progredir para artrose com o passar do tempo. Em pacientes jovens, o tratamento dos defeitos condrais do joelho ainda é um desafio, principalmente as lesões maiores de 4cm. Uma das opções de tratamento nesses pacientes é o transplante autólogo de condrócitos, que por não violar o osso subcondral e por reparar o defeito com tecido semelhante à cartilagem hialina, teria a vantagem teórica de ser mais biológico e mecanicamente superior, quando comparado a outras técnicas. Descreveremos nesse artigo a experiência do Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de São Paulo (IOT-HCFMUSP) com o transplante autólogo de condrócitos (ACI), através do relato de três casos.

Hyaline cartilage in the surface of synovial joints plays an important role in lowering stress and attrition in joints such as the knee. This tissue has no blood vessels, nerves, nor lymphatic drainage, which in part explains why articular cartilage has such poor capacity for healing. Chondral lesions reaching the subchondral bone (osteochondral lesions) do not heal and may progress to osteoarthritis as time passes. In young patients, treatment of such defects is challenging, especially in lesions larger than 4 cm. One option in young adults is the autologous chondrocyte implantation, capable of filling the defect with tissue similar to hyaline cartilage without violating the subchondral bone. Theoretically, it has biological and mechanical advantages over other surgical options. In this paper, we describe the experience with this procedure in a series of 3 cases at the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, University of São Paulo.

Tumor de células gigantes de bainha de tendão no LCA / Tendon sheath giant cells tumor in ACL

Trata-se de um relato de caso de tumor de células gigantes de bainha do ligamento cruzado anterior, uma localização extremamente rara para esse tipo de lesão. O paciente do sexo feminino apresentava dor no joelho, sem relato de trauma anterior. Foi submetido ao exame clínico, ao estudo radiográfico e de ressonância magnética da região. Feita a hipótese diagnóstica de TGC de Bainha, o paciente foi então tratado com ressecção artroscópica do tumor. O diagnóstico foi confirmado com exame anátomo-patológico. O paciente evoluiu bem, com melhora dos sintomas referidos no pré-operatório.

The author presents a case report of Tumor Giant Cells (TGC) localized on the anterior cruciate ligament sheath, an extremely rare site for this kind of lesion. A 37 y-o female patient presented with knee pain, with no history of previous trauma. She underwent clinical examination, X-ray study and magnetic resonance of the region. The diagnostic hypothesis of Sheath TGC was provided, and the patient was treated with tumor arthroscopy resection. Diagnosis was confirmed by anatomicopathological examination. By the end point assessment, none of the pre-operative symptoms were reported.