Preparing Platelet-Rich Plasma with Whole Blood Harvested Intraoperatively During Spinal Fusion.

BACKGROUND Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained growing popularity in use in spinal fusion procedures in the last decade. Substantial intraoperative blood loss is frequently accompanied with spinal fusion, and it is unknown whether blood harvested intraoperatively qualifies for PRP preparation. MATERIAL AND METHODS Whole blood was harvested intraoperatively and venous blood was collected by venipuncture. Then, we investigated the platelet concentrations in whole blood and PRP, the concentration of growth factors in PRP, and the effects of PRP on the proliferation and viability of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs). RESULTS Our results revealed that intraoperatively harvested whole blood and whole blood collected by venipuncture were similar in platelet concentration. In addition, PRP formulations prepared from both kinds of whole blood were similar in concentration of platelet and growth factors. Additional analysis showed that the similar concentrations of growth factors resulted from the similar platelet concentrations of whole blood and PRP between the two groups. Moreover, these two kinds of PRP formulations had similar effects on promoting cell proliferation and enhancing cell viability. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, intraoperatively harvested whole blood may be a potential option for preparing PRP spinal fusion.

Effect of a bioabsorbable, super-high molecular weight poly-D,L-lactic acid plate containing recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 for fracture healing.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a bioabsorbable, super-high molecular weight poly-D,L-lactic acid (PDLLA) plate exhibiting the sustained release of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) (PDLLA-rhBMP-2) on the treatment of fracture with internal fixation. A total of 32 New Zealand rabbits were randomly allocated to one of four groups (2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks), and a 2.5-mm middle ulnar osteotomy was performed bilaterally. The right side (experimental side) was fixed internally with PDLLA-rhBMP-2, and the left side (control side) was fixed with a normal PDLLA plate. At 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery, the gross pathology of the ulnas was examined and radiographic, histological and computer image analyses were performed. The results demonstrated that the ulna fractures were fixed stably with the two bioactive plates at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. At the 8-week time-point, 7 rabbits exhibited good healing at the osteotomy site on the experimental side. At 12 weeks after surgery, 8 rabbits exhibited good healing at the osteotomy site on both sides, but the experimental side showed enhanced compatibility between the plates and surrounding tissue, faster bone formation, a greater bone regeneration mass and better medullary canal structure compared with the control side. In conclusion, PPLLA-rhBMP-2 may be effectively used to treat fracture or nonunion at a non-weight-bearing site.