title: The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Incision Healing After Total Ankle Replacement Using the Agility Total Ankle Replacement System.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to aid in healing of operative incisions has been well documented in the literature. Most studies have been conducted retrospectively with small sample sizes and are conflicting in their outcomes. As such, no consensus exists regarding the utility of PRP for augmenting incisional healing. The Agility total ankle replacement (TAR) poses a significant challenge with respect to incisional healing in the immediate postoperative time frame and was used as a standardized implant in this study. We hypothesized that treating the anterior incision with PRP after Agility TAR would reduce the incidence of incision healing complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective review of 133 consecutive Agility TAR performed by a single surgeon at a single institution was conducted. Platelet-rich plasma was used to augment incisional closure in 78 patients undergoing TAR. Fifty-five patients had incisional closure without PRP application. Incision healing complications were stratified into patients healing without any complications (none), patients requiring prolonged local wound care (minor), and patients requiring a return to the operation theater to address an incisional complication (major).
  
  
  RESULTS
  No statistically significant difference existed between patients treated with PRP incisional augmentation and those without PRP augmentation. Eight patients (10.3%) receiving PRP underwent operative treatment of an incisional complication, whereas 3 patients (5.5%) who had a nonaugmented closure required operative treatment (P = .52). The incidence of minor complications was not statistically significant, with 25 (32.1%) patients receiving PRP and 15 (27.3) patients who had a nonaugmented closure requiring prolonged local treatment (P = .85).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Limited data exist regarding the use of PRP in the augmentation of the closure of operative incisions. We were unable to find a statistically significant reduction in incision-related complications in patients who had their incisions augmented with PRP.
  
  
  METHODS
  Level III, retrospective comparative study.
authors.affiliation: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia PA, USA.
authors.forename: Justin M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kane
authors.affiliation: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia PA, USA.
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Costanzo
authors.affiliation: Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA steven.raikin@rothmaninstitute.com.
authors.forename: Steven M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Raikin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D058737:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Ankle; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000072836:Surgical Wound; D014945:Wound Healing
keywords: complications; outcome study; platelet-rich plasma; total ankle arthroplasty