Investigating the Effect of Intra-articular Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection on Union: Pain and Function Improvement in Patients with Scaphoid Fracture

 

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Abstract

Introduction Fracture of the scaphoid bone is the most common fracture of the carpus. However, the fracture union occurs late or may not heal. Sometimes, fracture healing requires prolong immobilization. Because of potential for joint stiffness, muscle atrophy, or the inability to use the hand during and after prolonged immobilization, there is great incentive to develop therapies that will accelerate bone healing and allow a quick return to work. To date, the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on scaphoid fracture has not been studied. We aimed to assess the effect of intra-articular PRP injection on union: pain, range of motion, and function in patients with scaphoid fracture.

Hypothesis Union: pain reduction and functional improvement can be noticed after PRP use in scaphoid fracture.

Materials and Methods A randomized controlled trial was designed with 14 patients with scaphoid fractures (Herbert type B2). Casting was done for them. Seven patients received intra-articular autologous PRP. Patients were followed up 2 weeks after casting using radiography and then at 2 months using radiography and computed tomography (CT) scan to check bone healing. Then patients were followed up for 3 and 6 months and after evaluation of healing by CT scan, the patient-rated wrist evaluation questionnaire was completed and the range of motion of the wrist was measured.

Results Analysis revealed significant improvement in pain at rest, as well as during specific and usual activities following PRP injection in the case group. However, no statistically significant difference in wrist motion including radial and ulnar deviation, flexion, and extension was found in 6 months follow-up except some improvement in ulnar deviation after 3 months. However, this study showed that scaphoid union occurred earlier in the case group, but it was not statistically significant.

Conclusion PRP may have a significant effect on pain reduction at rest and amount of difficulty in functions including specific and usual activities in patients with scaphoid fractures.

Level of Evidence This is a level III, therapeutic trial.

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