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Use of Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma as a Biological Adjunct in Distal Humerus Non-union: A Case Report
Mainak Roy1, Anirudh Dwajan2, Jitendra Kumar1
1Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalyani, West Bengal, India.
Introduction:
Distal humerus fractures are uncommon injuries with a known risk of non-union despite surgical fixation. Revision surgery with bone grafting remains standard, but some patients may decline reoperation or may be unfit for surgery. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an autologous biological product rich in growth factors, may enhance healing in selected cases.
Case Report:
A woman in her 30s developed an aseptic non-union of the distal humerus 6 months after internal fixation for a complex fracture. As she declined revision surgery, she was managed non-surgically with autologous PRP injections. Seven injections were administered over 4 consecutive days using anatomical landmarks. Pain progressively reduced, function improved, and radiographs demonstrated bridging callus and cortical continuity by 6 months.
Conclusion:
In stable fixation with aseptic atrophic non-union, PRP may act as a minimally invasive biological adjunct to support bone healing. Careful patient selection and monitoring are essential for success.
