The effect of platelet-rich plasma on fracture healing in long-bone pseudoarthrosis

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on fracture union rate and fracture union time in pseudoarthrosis surgery and to evaluate the clinical and functional results of the patients. Methods The patients who were undergone pseudoarthrosis surgery between 2011 and 2014 were evaluated retrospectively. Twenty-four patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups with used PRP and not used PRP during surgery. There were 14 patients in the PRP group and 10 patients in the control group. The two groups were compared in terms of demographic characteristics, fracture union time, and functional scores of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale and Upper Extremity Functional Index. Results Fractures were healed in both groups, and no complications were encountered. A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of fracture union time. The mean time of union was 5.3 months in the PRP group and 11.3 months in the control group ( p : 0.000). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of functional scores ( p : 0.250). Conclusion As a result of our study, we concluded that PRP is an effective and safe method in pseudoarthrosis surgery that reduces fracture union time. Controlled studies with more patient numbers are needed.