Effects of Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Bone Healing in the Treatment of Canine Appendicular Fractures

Although internal fixation and surgical approaches promote fracture healing, some outcomes remain unsatisfactory. Advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) has been shown to provide more growth factors, and in vitro cell proliferation has not been evaluated for treating bone fractures in veterinary medicine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bone-healing activity of A-PRF in traumatic canine fractures. Twelve dogs with single radius-ulna or tibia-fibula fractures were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group and an A-PRF group. Both groups were treated with a locking compression plate and screws and received pain control. Post-operatively, dogs were evaluated for serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and post-operative pain scores on days 1, 3, and 7. Lameness and weight-bearing scores were evaluated on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, and 60. Bone healing was assessed at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 2 months using calculated relative bone density (%). Compared with the control, the A-PRF group showed higher bone density at 2 months and lower lameness at 14 days post-operatively. Although the CRP level, an inflammation response marker, was higher in the A-PRF group within one day. No significant difference in pain score was observed. In conclusion, A-PRF serves as an effective adjunctive therapy for promoting bone healing when treating canine appendicular fractures with surgical internal fixation.