PLATELET-RICH PLASMA - GROWTH-FACTOR ENHANCEMENT FOR BONE-GRAFTS

Platelet-rich plasma is an autologous source of platelet-derived growt h factor and transforming growth factor beta that is obtained by seque stering and concentrating platelets by gradient density centrifugation . This technique produced a concentration of human platelets of 338% a nd identified platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth f actor beta within them. Monoclonal antibody assessment of cancellous c ellular marrow grafts demonstrated cells that were capable of respondi ng to the growth factors by bearing cell membrane receptors. The addit ional amounts of these growth factors obtained by adding platelet-rich plasma to grafts evidenced a radiographic maturation rate 1.62 to 2.1 6 times that of grafts without platelet-rich plasma. As assessed by hi stomorphometry, there was also a greater bone density in grafts in whi ch platelet-rich plasma was added (74.0% +/- 11%)than in grafts in whi ch platelet-rich plasma was not added (55.1% +/- 8%; p = 0.005).