Assessment of autologous platelet gel injection in nonunited long bones

Aim Growing interest in nontransfusional hemoconcentrate use is evident. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of autologous platelet gel injection in nonunited long bones. Settings and design This single-center prospective study was conducted on 20 patients with long-bone nonunions. Patients and methods Patients with clinical and radiological signs of long-bone nonunions and eligible for autologous donation were included. Autologous platelets were prepared in blood bank and activated with calcium gluconate and autologous thrombin shortly before injection. Fracture healing was evaluated clinically and with radiographic views in two planes at serial follow-ups of 6 weeks after injection and then every 4 weeks until healing was confirmed. Results The median time between injury and platelet gel injection was 8 months. Evidence of callus formation was seen in 17 (85%) patients by the end of 17th week; the remaining three patients failed to achieve union at 24 weeks’ follow-up. Conclusion Platelet gel injection is a safe nonoperative modality for nonunited long bones.