Abstract
Today there is a great interest in the use of the autol-ogous platelet growth factors (APGF) in the field of orthopaedic surgery. The platelets are like a cellular laboratory and secrete, store, and leave many growth factors. These APGF are able to increase the reproduction of futtock, mesenchymal, fibroblast, osteoblast, and endothelial cells, which have a homothetic effect on macrophages and mono- and polymorphonuclear cells.
Between 2001 and 2003 about 60 patients were treated with APGF in the form of gel. It was used for osteosynthesis of high energy fractures with soft tissue and bone loss, in arthrodesis of scoliotic spine, and in the emergency treatment of hand trauma. The platelet gel was used for 4 weeks. The average time for recovery was about 1 month for the soft tissue lesions.
The use of APGF enables a speedy recovery and quick resumption of work. The healing time of the fractures decreases by 50% and the fingertip lesions with exposed bone can be treated with APGF without shortening or plastic surgery being necessary.
It is possible to use platelet gel for replacement of soft tissue, for osteosynthesis of fractures, and to fill up defect cavities. Thus, this opens new perspectives for treatment in orthopaedic surgery.
The patients could return to normal daily activity in a short time and it is possible to reach good results, offering a better quality of life.
