Gradual limb lengthening with external fixators using distraction osteogenesis principles is the gold
standard for treatment of limb-length discrepancy. However, long treatment time is a major
disadvantage of the current lengthening procedures. Efforts to decrease the treatment include biological
and biomechanical factors. Injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a biological method to enhance bone
healing during distraction osteogenesis. We hypothesised that PRP can enhance bone healing during
limb lengthening. We report our experience with the use of PRP during distraction osteogenesis. This
retrospective study included 19 patients divided into the standard group of 10 patients who did not
receive PRP and the PRP group of nine patients who received PRP at the end of the distraction phase. The
study variables included external fixator time, external fixation index, and complications during
treatment. The PRP group had statistically significantly shorter treatment time (p = 0.0412). Injection of
PRP into regenerate bone might be an effective method to shorten treatment time during limb
lengthening and lead to better functional outcomes and improved patient satisfaction.
Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.