Delayed union of the clavicle treated with plasma rich in growth factors


Published online: Oct 27 2010

Roberto Seijas, Romen Y. Santana-Suárez, Montserrat García-Balletbó, Xavier Cuscó, Oscar Ares, Ramón Cugat

From Hospital Quirón, Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

Nonunion is an uncommon complication of fracture of the clavicle ; it is usually treated surgically. The use of biological treatments in this type of condition is increasingly more common because of their ease of application. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) has been used in delayed healing and in nonunion of fractures. We report a case of delayed union fracture of the clavicle in which biological treatment was chosen before considering surgery. Three percutaneous injections of PRGF, one every 2 weeks, were delivered into the delayed union site. The autologous PGRF used was obtained through the patented PRGF® system. Three months after the final dose, computed tomography study showed healing of the bone. The patient regained complete mobility of the shoulder without pain. Currently she is able to carry out all the normal life activities and experiences no pain.