Evaluation of The Effect of PRP Injection in Survival of Venous Flaps in Upper Extremity Reconstruction

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn, Faculty of Medicine for Boys, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.

https://doi.org/10.21608/aimj.2025.446568

Abstract

Background: Traumatic injuries to the upper limbs may lead to severe and complex lesions affecting several compartments, including bone, skin, tendons, and neurovascular structures.
Aim: To assess the validity and application of the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in veno-cutaneous free tissue transfer survival for reconstruction of upper extremity defects (Hand, forearm).
 Patients and methods: This prospective cohort investigation comprised twenty cases with upper extremity abnormalities (hand and forearm) selected among cases admitted to the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Al-Azhar University Hospitals. This study included 20 patients with Upper extremity defects (hand and forearm), who were subdivided randomly into two groups: Group A: 10 patients with hand and forearm defects who underwent Free Veno-cutaneous tissue transfer with PRP injection, and Group B: 10 patients with hand and forearm defects who underwent Free Veno-cutaneous tissue transfer without PRP injection.
Results: As regards the comparison of flap parameters between the studied groups, the result was statistically significant regarding capillary refill and time of healing (days) (p value <0.05). Regarding the comparison of flap complications among the examined groups, the results were statistically significant regarding partial necrosis (p-value <0.05).
Conclusion: PRP significantly improved the survival rate of venous flaps in upper extremity reconstruction, with a lower rate of adverse events and better long-term functional outcomes. It also demonstrated that PRP was superior to normal flap care without PRP injection in terms of flap survival.
 

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