Platelet rich plasma for treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus: A systematic review of clinical trials.

backgroundThe ankle is the second most frequent site, following the knee, that requires cartilage repair. Osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) is common among athletes and is a result of talar cartilage detachment with or without subchondral bone fragmentation after a traumatic event. Treatment strategies for OLT can be classified as reparative or replacement interventions, with the former taking precedence. Recent studies show that the growth factors and bioactive components in platelet rich plasma (PRP) could improve cartilage regeneration. The prospect of using autologous blood to obtain a product that could enhance regeneration in damaged cartilage has been regarded as innovative, as it could circumvent the need for a replacement, and potentially join the ranks of first line reparative interventions against cartilage diseases.

methodsLiterature searches were performed across seven search engines for randomized controlled trials using PRP to treat patients with OLT. Outcomes extracted included ankle function and pain measures. Level of evidence and methodological quality were evaluated using relevant guidelines.

resultsFour studies met the eligibility criteria and were systematically appraised. Two studies scored Level 1 and 2 scored Level 2 based on the LOE assessment. MQOE evaluation revealed one study with excellent quality, and three with good quality. Overall results showed that PRP, as an adjunct to microfracture surgery, significantly improved function and reduced pain compared to microfracture surgery alone. Intra-articular PRP injection also demonstrated significantly enhanced recovery of function, and decreased pain scores compared to HA.

conclusionPRP improves joint function, and reduces pain in patients with OLT regardless of the method of implementation. In addition, inter-study comparison demonstrated that patients that received surgery along with PRP injections improved more than those that received PRP only. The studies that corroborate this conclusion have high levels of evidence with satisfactory methodological quality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2, systematic review of Level 1 and 2 studies.