2026 AAOS Annual Meeting: The Effect of Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Donor Site Healing and Anterior Knee Pain Following BPTB ACL Reconstruction in Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

55 male athletes undergoing a bone-patellar tendon-bone ACL reconstruction were randomized to receive either platelet-rich fibrin (n=26) or no additional treatment (n=29) for donor site healing. The outcomes of interest included functional scores, MRI assessments of ligament and bone healing, and knee pain, up to 12 months post-operation. Results of this randomized trial revealed that patients who received platelet-rich fibrin had significantly greater bone and ligament healing and reduced knee pain during kneeling compared to the control group. While functional outcomes were similar, this study does suggest that platelet-rich fibrin may be able to promote structural healing and reduce post-operative pain.