Use of autologous platelet-rich plasma for a delayed consolidation of a tibial fracture in a young donkey

J Vet Med Sci. 2017 Mar 23;79(3):618-622. doi: 10.1292/jvms.16-0400. Epub 2017 Feb 13.

Abstract

A 9-month-old filly donkey was referred for a comminuted diaphyseal fracture of the right tibia. Surgical osteosynthesis, with multiple lag screws and a neutralization plate, was performed for anatomical reconstruction. Despite a good gait condition, delayed bone consolidation and a bone gap were evident on follow up radiographic evaluations. Due to delayed healing, autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was injected on the surface of the tibia. Increased bone consolidation was evident on radiographs one month after the PRP injection. Progressive filling of both the fracture lines and bone gap continued during the six-month follow up. Clinical outcome was excellent. Autologous PRP should be considered as a practical adjuvant therapy in bone healing process in donkeys.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Equidae
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / veterinary
  • Fracture Healing
  • Osteogenesis
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma*
  • Tibia / surgery
  • Tibial Fractures / surgery
  • Tibial Fractures / therapy
  • Tibial Fractures / veterinary*