Clinical Efficacy of Platelet - Rich Plasma on Allograft Transplantation after Core Decompression for Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head

Purpose: This study explored the outcomes and clinical use of autologous, platelet - rich plasma (PRP) infusion after allograft bone transplantation for osteonecrosis of the femoral head ( ONFH) by comparing the time to bone fusion and clinical symptoms. Method and Materials: From January 2008 to June 2015, 36 patients with a follow - up of at least 12 months were enrolled. 18 who underwent autologous PRP infusion after allograft bone transpla ntation were compared with 18 who underwent allograft bone transplantation only. Changes in pain and activities of daily living were assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS), the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the time to bone fusion respectively, to evaluate d ifferences between the two groups. Results: The VAS scores of patients who underwent autologous, PRP infusion was significantly improved compared to patients who did not undergo autologous, PRP infusion at post - operative 3 months(From 7.44 to 3.28 in PRP/ From 7.06 to 5.67 without PRP), but not at post - operative 12 months(From 7.44 to 6.95 / From 7.06 to 7.00). The HHS which showed no significant difference between groups(75 / 76). The mean time to bone fusion was 3.0 months (range, 1.5 to 5.7 months) in PR P group and 5.5 months (4.0 to 8.0 months) in without PRP group. Conclusion: Autologous, PRP infusion after allograft bone transplantation of core decompression for ONFH can promote bone fusion and initially produces effective pain control. However, the na tural progression of disease, including femoral epiphyseal depression or osteonecrosis of the femoral head, is unlikely to be affected.