The Effect of Smoking on Posttraumatic Pseudoarthrosis Healing after Internal Stabilization, Treated with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Disturbed or delayed healing remains one of the most serious fracture-related complications, despite bone capacity for internal regeneration and reabsorption. Considerable progress in the understanding and treatment of fractures has been noted. The aim of our study was to evaluate treatment outcome in patients (smokers and non-smokers) with post-traumatic pseudoarthrosis. HYPOTHESIS: Determinate when administration of growth factors is most beneficial, and whether it accelerates bone union. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included patients treated for post-traumatic pseudoarthrosis resulting from multiple bone fractures. The study group and controls were further subdivided into: non-smokers, non-smokers >2 years after quitting, and smokers. Independent tests were performed for men and women. The study group, apart from other methods of treatment, received concentrated PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to aid the process of bone healing, or in cases of delayed healing confirmed by radiological assessment on follow-up visits. RESULTS: Mean time of fracture healing was 8 weeks for non-smokers and non-smokers >2 years after quitting, whereas in smokers the healing process was significantly prolonged (18 weeks in both, men and women). CONCLUSIONS: The risk for infection is smaller in non-smokers as compared to smokers, with the latter being at an elevated risk for bone inflammation and delayed union.