Single/ Multiple Dose Percutaneously Injected LR-PRP Enhances Union Rate in Fracture Delayed Unions: A Prospective Case Series

Average bone healing times of common fractures in adults ranges from 3 to 12 weeks and is location dependent. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) stimulates natural healing process through growth factors contained in platelets and has been employed for the same in delayed unions.

All patients > 18 years and documented delayed union were included in the study. Patients were followed up monthly after each Leucocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP) injection and a decision for repeat PRP injection was taken on basis of visible impression in radiograph after previous injection.

Total 36 patients were studied in which 5 patients were lost to follow-up. Union was achieved in 28/31 (90.3%). 20 (71.4%) patients required only single PRP injections. 4 (14.3%) patients required 2 PRP injections, 3 (10.7%) patients required 3 PRP injections and 1 (3.6%) patient required 4 PRP injection. There was no significant correlation of number of PRPs to time from 1st PRP-union or time from last PPR- union.

Single/multiple dose percutaneously administered LR-PRP can be used as a fruitful alternative to catalyze union in patients having delayed union irrespective of site of injury.