Utilizing a Mixed Effects Model to Assess Risk of Surgery for Sport-Related AC Joint Injuries After Primary Treatment with Platelet Rich Plasma in the United States

• Activity Number: 407 - Emerging Methods in Sports Injury Research: Strategies for Shifting the Paradigm
• Type: Topic Contributed
• Date/Time: Wednesday, August 5, 2020 : 1:00 PM to 2:50 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistics in Sports
• Author(s): Charlotte Baker* and Medina Etemadi and Mariam Farzayee and Malik Outram and Heather Pieno and Sam Miller and Matthew Baskette
• Companies: Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech
• Keywords: mixed effects modeling; regression; platelet rich plasma; structural equation modeling

Abstract

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a treatment that is prepared from your own blood but contains a higher than normal level of growth factor and fibrin to improve the healing of chronic wounds. It is used to assist the body with repairing tissues that have low healing potential. PRP is largely considered safe for use and has been used as an injection at the site of injury to treat sprains, strains, and muscle tears. There is little evidence supporting the use of PRP especially in comparison to other validated treatment methods such as surgery. A more complete picture of treatment options and related outcomes is necessary to make better clinical decisions related to the use of PRP. A common location where PRP is used is the acromioclavicular joint (AC joint). Using mixed effects modeling and structural equation modeling, we identify and compare factors related to the use of PRP after injury to the AC joint across, and within, age groups, to determine the risk of surgery after one has already been treated at least once with PRP. We also compare the use of PRP, surgery, and PRP during surgery by injury type and severity, and by injury recurrence status.