Purpose of the study: Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) favours proliferation of tenocytes and synthesis of extracellular matrix. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the technical feasibility of adding a PRF envelope during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair to favour short-term vascularisation of the tendon-trochiter zone vascularization.

Material and method: Twenty patients aged over 55 years with a posterosuperior rotator cuff tear were included in this prospective randomized controlled study. The double strand technique was used for all patients. Patients were selected at random for insertion of a PRF envelope between the tendon and the trochiter. There were thus two groups of ten patients. The SSV, SST, VAS and Constant scores were noted. Vascularization was assessed with Power Doppler ultrasound at 6 weeks and 3 months by an independent operator unaware of the study group.

Results: There were no complications during or after the operations. Postoperatively, all patients increased their SSV, SST, VAS and Constant scores significantly. Vascularization of the tendon-trochiter zone, as assessed by Power Doppler, was significantly higher in the PRF group at 6 weeks. It was unchanged in the two groups at 3 months.

Discussion: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with adjunction of a PRF envelope is technically feasible and increases vascularizaton of the tendon-trochiter zone at 6 weeks.

Conclusion: PRF can improve the tendon healing rate for rotator cuff tears.