Platelet-rich plasma injection for the treatment of atrophic fracture nonunion

Abstract

To explore clinical effects of platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection in treating atrophic fracture nonunion. From March 2015 to March 2017, 15 patients with atrophic fracture nonunion were treated with PRP injection, including 10 males and 5 females, aged from 23 to 56 years old with an average age of (40.0±9.1) years old, the time of fracture nonunion ranged from 6 to 14 months with an average of (8.87±2.45) months. Preparing PRP by extracting 60 to 100 ml peripheral blood. PRP platelet count ranged from 587 to 1 246 with an average of (947.13±158.58) ×10 9 /L. Under the perspective, 13 to 20 ml PRP were injected into the fracture end, and each injection was performed once on the first and the second week of the treatment. Complications such as whether the limb was shortened, angulation, and rotational deformity and radiological examination were observed. All patients were followed up from 6 to 12 months with an average of (6.8± 2.1) months. No shortening, angulation, and rotational deformity occurred. Thirteen patients had fracture healing, the time ranged from 4 to 6 months with an average of (4.8±0.7) months. Two patients had no completely porosis at 12 months during following up, and 1 patient occurred bolt loose. Other patients had no complications. The stability of fracture ends of atrophic fracture nonunion after internal fixation is an indication for local PRP injection. PRP treatment for atrophic fractures could completed under local anesthesia, and it has advantages of safe operation and reliable efficacy.