Biochemical and Physiological Dynamics in Ligament Injury & Healing

Ligaments play a crucial role in the musculoskeletal system. When maximal and sub-maximal ligamentous injury occur, a cascading response is initiated, starting with platelet plug formation and ending with remodeling. A rodent model was used to examine the role of modulating the initial recruitment of platelets and their impact on biochemical, histological, functional, and mechanical material properties. Functional gait testing, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), histological evaluations, and material property testing were performed. Animals (n=150) were randomized to a no-treatment group, a platelet rich fibrin treatment group and, a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSIAD) treatment group. Initial results show that antiinflammatory drugs slow gait functional recovery; whereas, PRF shows faster functional recovery. PRF shows a faster increase in VEGF, and NSAIDs slows down VEGF and reduced its intensity. Evaluating injury recovery and impact of treatment methods, in both occupational and sports settings, provides insights about the healing response.