Abstract

Background:
There are various cellular functions and mineralization that play a vital role in the bone healing process by ultimately restoration of the defect site to recover the original structure.

Aim:
This study aimed to assess the effects of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) alone and with synthetic bone graft on fracture healing in experimentally induced mid-shaft transverse fracture of the femur bone in a rabbit model.

Methods:
A total of 60 local breed rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. Group A was treated with 0.5 ml of an autologous PRP at the fractured bone site, group B was treated with 0.025 mg synthetic bone graft and 0.5 ml PRP, and group C was treated as the control group. Samples from the fractured bone were collected at different postoperative periods for radiological and histological evaluation.

Results:
Radiological results showed that the rate of callus formation in rabbits treated with PRP alone and with bone graft was faster than that in the control group. Similarly, histological findings revealed that the stages of fracture healing progressed more in groups A and B than in the control group. In addition, the results of computed tomography scanimaging reinforced the results of radiological examination because the rate of callus formation was clearly enhanced in treated rabbits (Groups A and B) compared with the control group.

Conclusion:
Autologous PRP treatment alone or combined with synthetic bone graft, enhances the bone healing process in the rabbit model.

Key words: PRP; Fracture; Bone graft.