To evaluate the role of platelet-rich plasma in healing of acute diaphyseal fractures of the femur.

PURPOSE: New research is focusing on the use of autologous growth factors to increase the effect of bone fracture healing while decreasing the amount of healing time for the patient. Platelets have been demonstrated to be the natural storage vessel for several growth factors and cytokines that promote blood coagulation, tissue repair, and the process of bone mineralization. The present study aims to evaluate the role of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in healing of acute femoral shaft fractures radiologically. We hypothesize that it provides artificial hematoma and releases various growth factors.

METHODS: This prospective randomized study was carried out in 72 patients of traumatic fracture of the femoral shaft operated with interlocking nails (closed or open). Patients were divided into two groups: study group A (n = 33) treated with intramedullary nailing & PRP injection/gel application in the same setting; and control group B (n = 39) treated with intramedullary nailing without PRP application. Both groups were further divided into two subgroups. Study group included subgroup A1 (n = 14) operated with closed intramedullary nailing and PRP injection at the fracture site under radiological control, and subgroup A2 (n = 19) operated with open intramedullary nailing and PRP gel along with fibrin membrane application at the fracture site; while control group included subgroup B1 (n = 16) operated with closed intramedullary nailing, and subgroup B2 (n = 23) operated with open intramedullary nailing. Radiological assessment of fracture healing was done by measuring the cortex to callus ratio every month till union at 6 months.

RESULTS: Measurements of mean cortex to callus ratio revealed significant difference between the groups A & B at third and fourth months. Measurements of mean cortex to callus ratio did not reveal significant difference between the subgroups at first and sixth months. A statistically significant difference was observed between subgroups A1 & B2 and B1 & B2 at the second month; between subgroups A1 & B2, A2 & B2 and B1 & B2 at the third month; and between subgroups A1 & B2 at fourth and fifth months.

CONCLUSION: PRP has no effect on femoral shaft fracture healing treated with closed intramedullary nailing. However, PRP and matrix scaffold provided by fibrin membrane may provide an artificial hematoma effect in the initial phase of healing in open or failed closed intramedullary nailing.