Masquelet Technique Combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma for Large Infectious Bone Defects: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Large segmental infected bone defects represent a serious complication frequently encountered following high-energy trauma, bone tumor resection, and osteomyelitis surgery, presenting substantial challenges in orthopedic management. Current clinical approaches such as autologous bone grafting, allogeneic bone grafting, the Ilizarov technique, and artificial bone substitutes each come with inherent limitations. In recent years, the Masquelet technique (induced membrane technique) has become increasingly refined in clinical practice. This method works by establishing a bioactive local microenvironment that serves as both a physical barrier and maintains a stable repair space, effectively enhancing the regenerative healing of bone defects. Concurrently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a biological therapeutic material abundant in various growth factors, has shown significant potential in stimulating angiogenesis and accelerating bone tissue repair, gaining widespread clinical adoption, particularly in orthopedic applications. This article presents a narrative review based on a structured literature search, aimed at synthesizing current evidence on the combined application of the Masquelet technique and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of large segmental infected bone defects.Through a narrative review of existing literature, it summarizes current evidence suggesting that the combination may offer synergistic benefits, highlights reported clinical observations and preclinical findings aims to inform clinical decision-making in orthopaedic practice, and identifies key areas for future investigation, providing a basis for further research into this combined approach.