Narrow Results

Objective: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and autograft-human PRP on bone healing in a rat model. Methods: A critical sized defect at least twice as long as the diameter of the diaphysis was made in 16 rats to create a non-union model. The defect was either supplied with hPRP, or autograft-hPRP (experimental groups) and autograft (positive control) or left empty (negative control). Radiographs of each forelimb was taken postoperatively on the 1st day and then at the 35th, and 56th days post-injury to evaluate bone formation, union and remodeling of the defect. The operated radiuses were removed on 56th post-operative day and were evaluated biomechanically, histopathologically and ultrastructurally by scanning electron microscopy. Results: There was significant difference ($p<$0.05) between the groups in union and cancellous bone so that the autograft, autograft-hPRP and hPRP groups were significantly ($p<$0.05) superior to the empty group and in cortical bone formation the autograft-PRP group was significantly ($p<$0.05) superior to the other three groups but there was no significant difference ($p>$0.05) between the groups in cortical bone marrow. Biomechanical evaluation did not show any significant differences. There was no significant difference ($p>$0.05) between the groups in radiological parameters at 35th and 56th post-operative days. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that autograft-hPRP is most effective and could promote bone regeneration in the critical sized defects in rat model.