USING THE GRAVITATIONAL PLATELET SEPARATION SYSTEM (GPS II) TO ASSIST BONE HEALING IN THE ILIZAROV TECHNIQUE

Abstract

The Ilizarov technique can be used to achieve bony union in high energy trauma and in non-union. There is much interest in the augmentation of bone healing using growth factors, GPS II collects the patients own platelets into a highly concentrated formula. Activated platelets release growth factors that may stimulate fracture healing.

We used the GPS II system in 13 cases of either high-energy trauma (2 cases) of non-union (11 cases) treated with the Ilizarov Circular frame in our institution. The group included two tibial fractures, eight tibial, one femoral and two ulnar non-unions. The minimum follow up of a year. The average age of the patient was 45 (22–66). We observed complications and measured time to clinical and radiological union from the start of treatment with circular frame.

No complications associated with GPS. One patient had an infection remotely in the limb resulting in amputation. All fractures and non-unions went on to solid bony union. The average time to radiological union was 21 weeks (range 13–36 weeks). Frame removal in these cases was 6.5 months (range 4–10 months). No patient underwent any further surgical intervention.

This pilot study features a heterogenous group of patients in which it is difficult to assess the role of GPS II. The use of GPS II, however, was uncomplicated in our study. The use of GPS II may act as a adjuvant therapy in the treatment of high energy trauma and non-union treated with the Ilizarov technique. Furthers studies are required to investigate the efficacy of GPS II in the management of non-union.