title: Treatment of a diaphyseal long-bone defect with autologous bone grafts and platelet-rich plasma in a rabbit model.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Large bone defects are a therapeutic challenge to surgeons and are often associated with a high morbidity. The use of autologous cancellous bone graft represents an essential therapeutic option and is considered the gold standard. However, the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for improving bone defect healing has been discussed controversially. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment of a diaphyseal long-bone defect in a rabbit model with a combination of PRP and autologous cancellous bone.
  
  
  METHODS
  A monocortical long-bone defect in the radial diaphysis of 24 New Zealand white rabbits was filled either with autologous cancellous graft as a control group or with autologous cancellous graft combined with autologous PRP. Histomorphometrical and radiological analysis as well as quantification of platelets and growth factors were performed. The animals were euthanatized after three and six weeks according to the study arms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant improvement in bone healing was observed histomorphometrically in the PRP group in the central area of the defect zone (p <0.01) as well as the cortical defect zone (p <0.01). The radiological findings were in accordance with the histomorphometrical results. Comparing native blood and PRP, an enrichment of growth factors and platelets was detectable in the PRP.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Within this animal study, the combination of PRP and autologous cancellous bone grafts improved bone healing significantly compared to the sole application of autologous bone. Therefore, further efforts should be initiated to establish the composite of PRP and autologous bone for bone healing disorders in clinical use.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Schneppendahl
authors: Pascal Jungbluth, M.D., Associate Professor, Heinrich Heine University Hospital Düsseldorf, Department of Trauma and Hand Surgery, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany, Phone: +49 211 8104404, Fax: +49 211 8104902, E-mail: Pascal.Jungbluth@med.uni-duesseldorf.de.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Jungbluth
authors: T T
authors: TT
authors: Lögters
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Sager
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Wild
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Hakimi
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Windolf
authors: J P
authors: JP
authors: Grassmann
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000662:veterinary; D018483:Diaphyses / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma; D011817:Rabbits; D011884:Radius / Q000293:injuries
keywords: Platelet-rich plasma; autologous cancellous bone graft; bone healing; diaphysis