Assessing the efficacy of 5% dextrose prolotherapy in patients with partial anterior cruciate ligament tears

Aim: Prolotherapy is a regenerative injection treatment aimed at promoting the healing of musculoskeletal injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 5% dextrose prolotherapy on pain levels and functional capacity in patients with partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study reviewed medical records of 60 patients with partial ACL tears who were matched 1:1 based on age and sex into two groups: a prolotherapy group (n = 30), who had received monthly injections of 5% dextrose solution for six sessions, and a control group (n=30), who had undergone physical therapy alone. Pain intensity was retrospectively assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functional outcomes were evaluated using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) from baseline records and after the 3rd and 6th treatment sessions. Results: Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between the two groups. By the third session, the prolotherapy group showed significantly reduced pain compared to the control group (VAS: 5.2 ± 1.1 vs. 7.9 ± 0.9, p < 0.001). By the sixth session, further significant pain reduction was observed in the prolotherapy group compared to controls (VAS: 2.8 ± 1.2 vs. 7.3 ± 1.0, p < 0.001). Functional capacity significantly improved in the prolotherapy group by the sixth session compared to the control group (LEFS: 68.6 ± 8.5 vs. 52.4 ± 7.3, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Administration 5% dextrose prolotherapy significantly reduced pain and improved functional capacity in patients with ACL tears. Prolotherapy may serve as an effective minimally invasive treatment option for ligamentous injuries of the knee.