Radiological Evaluation of Regenerative Growth Plate Defect Treated with Platelet-Rich Fibrin Membrane in Rabbits

Bony bar formation after growth plate injuries leads to shortening and angulation of the long bone, which is considered one of the most critical sequelae affecting animals’ and humans’ lives in adulthood. The objective of the present study was to evaluate radiographically the role of using an autologous platelet-rich fibrin membrane in regenerating growth plate defects to prevent the formation of bony bars. A total of 20 kit rabbits, aged between 6-12 weeks and weighing 500-1100 g, were included in the current study. They were experimentally exposed to approximately 551 mm growth plate defects, which were filled with an autologous platelet-rich fibrin membrane previously prepared at the time of the surgery. A radiological follow-up was conducted weekly at the first, second, third, fourth, sixth, and eighth weeks post-surgery to examine the growth plate defect area. The tibial length and angulation were measured during this period of the study and compared to the contralateral limb of the same animal. The radiological results showed no bony bar formation in most cases and the presence of the growth plate up to the end of the study (week 8 post-surgery) in the injured area. In addition, no significant differences were identified in the tibial length and angulation of the affected limb in comparison to the contralateral limb of the same animal throughout the study. In conclusion, treating serious growth plate injuries by PRF membrane may prevent angular deformity and length discrepancy in limbs.