THE EFFECT OF PLATELET RICH PLASMA IN BONE TUNNEL TENDON-BONE HEALING

Introduction: In our study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) obtained from autologous blood on rabbit intra-tunnel tendon bone healing using biomechanical and histologic parameters. Methods: The hind legs of 31 New Zealand albino rabbits were used in the study. After the extensor digitorum longus tendon of both hind legs was removed from the proximal attachment site, the same leg was placed in a bone tunnel opened in the tibia. In the P “platelet” group, PRP was injected into the tunneled part of the tendon, while in the K “control” group, the tunneled part of the tendon. In addition, each group was divided into two groups “six and twelve weeks old”. After sacrification, the bone-tendon junction, which was removed together with the tibia and tendon, was pulled in a pulling device at a speed of 5mm/second. The machine recorded the maximal endurance force (ULF). Using these values, stiffness and energy absorption were calculated. Three specimens each from the sixth and twelfth groups were examined histologically. Results: At 6.-12. weeks, all biomechanical parameters were higher than in the control group and the increase was significant in all three parameters at twelfth week and in two of the parameters (ULF, stiffness) at sixth week (p<0.05) Conclusions: As a conclusion of the study, it was determined by biomechanical and histological examinations that PRP application positively enhanced healing in the intra-tunnel healing model created in the New Zealand albino rabbit. PRP application can be successfully used to accelerate tendon-bone healing.