Effects of Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Bone Healing in the Treatment of Canine Appendicular Fractures
by
, , , , ,
Ravisa Warin
1,2,
Preeyanat Vongchan
3,
Witaya Suriyasathaporn
2,4,5,
Ratchadaporn Boripun
1,
Kanawee Warrit
2,
Luddawon Somrup
6,
Kittidaj Tanongpitchayes
7,
Pimnipa Jieraviriyapun
2 and
Wanna Suriyasathaporn
2,4,* 1
Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
2
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
3
Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
4
Research Center of Producing and Development of Products and Innovations for Animal Health and Production, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
5
Asian Satellite Campuses Institute-Oversea Campus, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
6
Northern Regional Veterinary Healthcare and Learning Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
7
Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkhla University, SongKhla 90110, Thailand
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Animals 2026, 16(8), 1276; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16081276
Submission received: 18 February 2026
/
Revised: 2 April 2026
/
Accepted: 15 April 2026
/
Published: 21 April 2026
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Management of Small Animal Fractures)
Simple Summary
Although surgical intervention is generally effective in promoting fracture healing, some outcomes remain unsatisfactory. Advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF), which has been shown to improve bone healing in vitro, has not been evaluated for clinical use in veterinary medicine. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the bone-healing activity of A-PRF in traumatic canine fractures. Compared with the control, A-PRF showed progressive improvements in lameness and weight-bearing scores after 14 days post-surgery. Furthermore, higher relative bone density at 2 months was observed in A-PRF using radiography. CRP level, an inflammation response marker, was higher in A-PRF over a short period. No significant difference in pain score was observed. In conclusion, A-PRF offers an adjunctive therapy for promoting bone healing when treating canine appendicular fractures with surgical internal fixation, including increased bone density and improved limb functionality.
Abstract
Although internal fixation and surgical approaches promote fracture healing, some outcomes remain unsatisfactory. Advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) has been shown to provide more growth factors, and in vitro cell proliferation has not been evaluated for treating bone fractures in veterinary medicine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bone-healing activity of A-PRF in traumatic canine fractures. Twelve dogs with single radius–ulna or tibia–fibula fractures were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group and an A-PRF group. Both groups were treated with a locking compression plate and screws and received pain control. Post-operatively, dogs were evaluated for serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and post-operative pain scores on days 1, 3, and 7. Lameness and weight-bearing scores were evaluated on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, and 60. Bone healing was assessed at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 2 months using calculated relative bone density (%). Compared with the control, the A-PRF group showed higher bone density at 2 months and lower lameness at 14 days post-operatively. Although the CRP level, an inflammation response marker, was higher in the A-PRF group within one day. No significant difference in pain score was observed. In conclusion, A-PRF serves as an effective adjunctive therapy for promoting bone healing when treating canine appendicular fractures with surgical internal fixation.
