Investigating the effect of intra-articular PRP injection on pain and function improvement in patients with distal radius fracture.

INTRODUCTION Distal radius fractures are common injuries that cause pain and disability. There is a clear need for biomedical engineering research to develop novel strategies to improve functional results following intra-articular distal radius fractures. However, no pharmacotherapeutic agent has been investigated to resolve this problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be considered a novel additional therapy to improve the outcomes of this injury. HYPOTHESIS Pain reduction and functional improvement can be noticed after PRP use in distal radius fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS A randomized trial study was designed with 30 patients who had intra-articular distal radius fractures (Frykman type 3, 4, 7, 8). Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning under guide of fluoroscopy were done for them. Fifteen cases received intra-articular autologus PRP. Patients were followed for 3 and 6 months and "patient-rated wrist evaluation" (PRWE) questionnaire was completed and range of motion of the wrist was measured. RESULTS The mean of pain score and the score of specific and usual activities at 3 months follow-up in the case group and in the control group were (8.33 versus 19.67), (10.66 versus 26.8), and (6.2 versus 13.4), respectively. The mean of pain score and score of specific and usual activities at 6 months follow-up in the case group and in the control group were (3.6 versus 12), (3 versus 15.7), and (1.2 versus 6.8), respectively. The case group was significantly different from the control group. The mean of loss of flexion and extension of the wrist at 3 months follow-up in the case group was significantly different from the control group as well. CONCLUSION PRP may have significant effect on reduction of pain and amount of difficulty in functions, including specific and usual activities after intra-articular distal radius fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, Therapeutic trial.