Autologous platelet-rich plasma gel to reduce donor-site morbidity after patellar tendon graft harvesting for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized, controlled clinical study

40 patients who required bone-patellar tendon-bone ACL reconstruction were randomized to have platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel applied or no PRP additive to determine its effect on pain and donor-site morbidity following surgery. Visual Analog Scales (VAS), Victorian Institute Sport Assessment scores and MRI analysis were recorded 12 months postoperatively. The results suggested that patients who received application of PRP gel experienced less pain through the VISA scale compared to those who did not, but VAS scores and donor-site morbidity did not differ between groups.