Effect of prp on segmental bone defects: AN experimental study

Introduction: Delayed union of the fractured bone is one of the main problems of the Orthopaedics and Traumatology practice. We hypothesized beneficial effects of allogeneic PRP would be valuable in treatment of segmental bone defects. In this study, we aimed to compare results of DBM and PRP on segmental bone defect model.Materials- method: By the approval of local ethical committee, 48 Albino-Wistar type rats were separated into four consecutive groups. Segmental bone defect was created at right radius diaphysis by dorsal approach to all specimens. 4 additional rats were used as PRP source. Intracardiac blood withdrawal was made before the operation for allogeneic PRP preparation. Of 48 specimens, group I (n=12) as the control group, defect was left untreated. Group II (n=12), as the PRP group, was treated with grafting with PRP alone. Group III (n=12) as the PRP+DBM combination group, was treated with grafting with DBM and PRP mixture. Finally the last group, group IV (n=12) the defect area was grafted with DBM only. At the end of 10th week, specimens were sacrificed the forearms of the rats were dissected and the defect area was examined with radiological and histopathological parameters.Results: Radiological evaluation revealed that the ossification was better in the PRP group followed by the DBM group. According to the result of the histopathological studies, union quality was better than control group in all treatment groups (group II, III and IV) but it was observed that union quality was best in PRP group among the others (p<0,05). When examined in the terms of cortex development and remodelling, it was also observed that the results were better in PRP group (p<0,05), however when examined in the terms of new osteogenesis, results were comparable in groups II, III and IV, but all better than the control group.Conclusion:It was concluded that PRP and DBM have comparable effects on the recovery of the defective bones but there is no synergistic effect when used together. We believe that PRP can be a cost effective alternative to DBM with minimal morbidity and readily availability.