Evaluation of posterior tibial slope relationship with common knee pathologies in pediatric and adolescent age groups in the Turkish population.

Anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACLR), tibial eminence fracture (TEF), and Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) have been linked to a steep posterior tibial slope (PTS) in children and adolescents. This study aims to examine and compare these associations. 418 patients aged 8-18, 237 males and 181 females with knee pain between 2010 and 2019 were included and the patients belonged to the Turkish population. They consisted of ACLR (n = 47), TEF (n = 22), OSD (n = 51), and a control group (n = 298). The study and control groups were compared for PTS, sex, and age, with ACLR, TEF, OSD, retrospectively. The ACLR, OSD, and TEF groups had higher PTS values than the control group (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in ACLR-OSD, ACLR-TEF, and OSD-TEF comparisons (P = 0.22, P = 0.99, and P = 0.99, respectively). PTS increase was linked to ACLR, TEF, and OSD in the multinomial regression analysis, (P < 0.001). Increase in PTS was associated with ACLR, TEF, and OSD for both males and females (independently of other factors; ACLR: P < 0.001, P < 0.001, OR: 1.59, OR: 2.63, TEF: P = 0.001, P < 0.001, OR: 1.98, OR: 1.44; OSD: P = 0.001, P < 0.001, OR: 1.49, OR: 1.28 for males and females respectively). ACLR, TEF, and OSD are associated with increased PTS in the pediatric and adolescent age groups, and there are differences between these pathologies in terms of the amount of PTS increase, age, and sex. Consideration of age and gender in pediatric and adolescent patients with increased PTS may be useful in predicting pathologies associated with increased PTS. Level of evidence: III retrospective comparative study.

Investigation into the effect of epidermal growth factor and hyaluronic acid on fracture healing in a rat femoral fracture model.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the role of an exogenous Epidermal Growth Factor and a hyaluronic acid-based scaffold on fracture healing in a rat femoral fracture model Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar-Albino rats, each weighing a mean 392 grams (range= 350-450 grams) and aged 8.2 months (6-9 months), were used for this experimental study. All surgical procedures were performed on the left femur by a single surgeon. An open femoral fracture was created in all rats. The animals were randomly divided into one of the four groups: Control (12), EGF (12), HA (12) and Combined (12). In the 4th and sixth weeks, samples were processed and analyzed using biomechanical and histological methods. RESULTS: Fracture healing was significantly improved in the Combined group compared to the control one, EGF and HA groups in all parameters at both experimental time points. At the fourth and sixth weeks after surgery, fracture healing in the EGF and HA groups was significantly increased at histological evaluation compared to controls. In addition, compared with EGF, HA and Control groups, a significant difference in callus tissue was detected in the Combined group at 4 and 6-week time points in biomechanical features. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that combining local EGF and HA scaffold accelerates bone healing and strengthens the bony callus histologically and biomechanically. Using EGF-HA combined scaffolds may represent a possible future strategy in trauma surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

The Biocompatibility of a New Type of 45S5 Bioactive Graft in a Sheep Model: A Pilot Study.

Background Bone is a dramatically regenerating tissue with the ability to heal after trauma, although intensive surgical management is required to treat considerable damage. In this study, 45S5 bioactive grafts were prepared through the melt-quenched method in compliance with the guidelines on medical product requirements (MDD regulations; 93/42/EEC Annex-II section 3&4 and ISO standardizations; ISO 13485:2016) for bone repair and regeneration. Methodology After preparing the graft/scaffold, it was evaluated for biocompatibility according to the principles of "lSO 10993-6 2015 Biological evaluation of medical devices: Tests for local effects after implantation, Annex D 'Test method for implantation in bone,'" "lSO 10993-2:2005 Biological evaluation of medical devices: Animal welfare requirements," and "lSO 10993-12 2012 Biological evaluation of medical devices sample preparation rules and standards." Defects were created on the tibia of the right hind leg. The defects were filled with 3-mm bioactive granules, and a cylindrical polypropylene biocompatible material was used as a negative control. After 120 days, the sheep were sacrificed, and the tibia were analyzed. Results The results demonstrated the safety of 45S5 bioactive grafts. Histological evaluation showed no signs of pathological changes around the implant area. Hematoxylin and eosin sections demonstrated the presence of a few multinucleated giant cells, macrophages, and non-irritant mild fibrotic changes on the surface of the biomaterial. Conclusions 45S5 bioactive glass was found to be biocompatible in a sheep model, demonstrating its capacity to promote bone consolidation while also justifying its further preclinical application as a bone-bonded material owing to the layer formation of the growing bone mineral.

Adjustable bone plate: from bench to operating room.

Background/aim: We have designed an adjustable bone plate (ABP) which allows bone shortening and lengthening after fixation, which is a property not present in any of the plate systems available today. The aim of the current study was to examine the new ABP's segmental bone transfer capability for the treatment of a segmental bone defect in an animal model. Materials and methods: Five sheep had ABPs attached to 10 of their tibias and bone defects of 15 mm in size were created. The pinion mechanism was moved with a manual screwdriver at a rate of 1mm/day for 15 days starting 3 days postoperatively. The animals were euthanized 3 months postoperatively, and the defect site and the transferred segment were evaluated by radiological and histological examination. Results: The radiological results revealed successful transfers of 14.6 ± 1.2 mm of bone segment on all tibia defects without any complications. The histological evaluation showed new bone formation in both the extension and the docking sites. No rupture or breakage was observed within the plates. Conclusion: We have presented the potential of a new generation ABP for use in segmental bone transfer in an animal model as well as for future clinical applications.

Supracondylar extra-articular femur fracture after cementless unicompartmental knee replacement: A rare complication.

This case report defines an infrequent complication of unicompartmental knee replacement. Periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fracture after total knee replacement is a challenging problem for orthopedic surgeon. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case describing periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fracture after unicondylar knee replacement.

The initial analysis of pediatric fractures according to the AO/OTA fracture classification and mechanisms of injuries.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of pediatric fractures has been changing timely, in a multifactorial fashion. The aim of this study was to put forward a recent 5-year epidemiological analysis of pediatric fractures, according to the current AO/OTA fracture classification, in the current decade of action for road safety. METHODS: A total of 3261 pediatric patients who were diagnosed with at least one fracture related with orthopedics and traumatology in a level-one trauma center were included in this retrospective and epidemiological descriptive study. The patients were grouped according to their ages as follows; <2, 2-5.9, 6-9.9, and 10-17.9. The fractures were examined according to the AO/OTA classification. RESULTS: A total of 3396 fractures were present in 3261 patients. The mean age of the patients was 9.8±4.6 (1-17). The number of patients according to the age groups was as follows; 28 (0.008%), 735 (22.53%), 863 (26.47%), and 1635 (50.99%), respectively. The most frequent three fractures according to the AO/OTA fracture classification were; 23 (radius/ulna distal 22.9%), 13 (humerus distal, 13.3%), and 7 (hand/carpal, 12%). About 68.8% and 31.2% of the patients were treated non-surgically and surgically, respectively. Overall mortality rate was 0.1%. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first analysis of pediatric fractures according to the AO/OTA classification, over a 5-year period. As a future prospect, further multicentric epidemiological studies are warranted to constitute a sustainable action plan for the prevention of major traumas.

Return to sport rate following sports trauma-related delayed bucket-handle meniscus repair with concomitant ACL reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Return to sports rate of chronic meniscus repair concurrent with Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains unclear, especially there is no well-defined return to sports criteria for evaluation. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the success rate of chronic locked bucket-handle meniscal tear (BHMT) repair with concomitant ACL reconstruction. METHODS: This study includes 51 chronic ACL injury patients with a locked meniscal tear of at least 6 weeks who underwent surgery. All cases were treated with arthroscopic BHMT repair and ACL reconstruction between 2017 and 2020. Patient demograph-ics, chronicity, pre-operative, and intraoperative surgical variables which associated with return to sports were defined. BHMT was repaired with an all-in-side meniscus repair and/or combined repair procedure first, then an anatomic outside-in ACL reconstruction using a suspension device for femoral fixation was performed. Patients underwent same rehabilitation program with the goal of return-ing to sport at approximately 4-8 months. A modified return-to-sport criterion was performed in this study. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients with an average age of 27.4 (range 18-48) years were included in the study. The average time elapsed from the occurrence of locked knee symptoms to surgery was 10.5±4.4 weeks. The mean follow-up time was 25.3±4.5 months. Sig-nificant improvement was observed in all patient-reported outcomes from baseline to the final follow-up. The mean modified Lysholm knee score increased from 45.5 points to 91.5 at the final follow-up (p<0.001). The 43 out of 51 patients (84.3%) were return to their recreational activities (amateur sports). The mean time to return to sport was 5.9±0.8 (5-8) months. CONCLUSION: Majority of the patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with BHMT repair return to their pre-operative activity levels in 8 months. All neglected BHMTs with concomitant chronic ACL rupture should be repaired in a single-stage surgery if the half plane-concave shape of the menisci has been preserved regardless of the delay in time to surgery.

The epidemiology of adult fractures according to the AO/OTA fracture classification.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of adult fractures has been changing timely, in a multifactorial fashion. The aim of this study was to put forward a recent 5-year epidemiological analysis of adult fractures, according to the current AO/OTA fracture classification, in the current decade of action for road safety. METHODS: 5324 adult patients who were diagnosed with at least one fracture related with orthopedics and traumatology in a level-one trauma center were included in this retrospective, epidemiological descriptive study. The patients were grouped according to their ages as; 18-35, 36-55, 56-69, and ≥70. The fractures were examined according to the AO/OTA classification. RESULTS: 5865 fractures were present in 5324 patients. The mean age of the patients was 48.6±21.5. The number of patients according to the age groups was as follows; 1947 (36.6%), 1636 (30.7%), 881 (16.5%), and 860 (16.2%), respectively. The most frequent three fractures according to the AO/OTA fracture classification were; 7 (hand 19.6%), 23 (distal forearm, 12.1%), and 8 (foot, 11.8%). About 54.4% and 45.4% of the patients were treated non-surgically and surgically, respectively. About 0.2% of the patients preferred an alternative treatment. Overall mortality rate was 0.4%. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first analysis of adult fractures according to the AO/OTA classification, over a 5-year period. As a future prospect, further multi-centric epidemiological studies are warranted to constitute a sustainable action plan for the prevention of major traumas.

Histological examination of the effects of epidermal growth factor on regeneration of acute peripheral nerve injuries on rabbit model.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve injuries are one of the most common and costly injuries especially in the young population. In this study, it is aimed to determine the histological role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in nerve regeneration with an acute damage made on sciatic nerve in the rabbit model. METHODS: We used 18 New Zealand rabbits (nine in control group and nine in experimental group). Each group was divided into two groups consisting of five rabbits planned for diameter measurement and four rabbits planned for spatial measurement. The sciatic nerve exploration in the right flank of each animal, full-thickness nerve damage, and then epineural repair was made by a single researcher. 10 µg/kg EGF was given to the repair area of the experimental group and five more EGF injections were given to the experimental group every other day postoperatively. In the control group, we used saline solution. Rabbits were observed for 8 weeks. During follow-up, two rabbits died. At the end of 8 weeks, the nerve tissue of each animal was evaluated histologically and morphologically. RESULTS: In the experimental group consisting of five rabbits, the mean thickness of connective tissue (epineurium+ mesoneurium) was 156,867 µm; while, in the control group, the thickness was 25,170 µm. In the other groups, the numerical increase in epineurium and mesoneurium areas was detected in the EGF (+) group as a result of the comparative spatial measurements. Epineurium and mesoneurium enlargement was observed in the EGF-given group. Adipocyte and capillary increase was observed in connective tissue. CONCLUSION: EGF increases epineurium and mesoneurium diameters in peripheral connective tissue in acute peripheral nerve injury regeneration. However, further studies are needed to understand this effect clinically and physiologically.

Mean femoral cartilage thickness is higher in athletes as compared with sedentary individuals.

PURPOSE: It is unclear how high-intensity physical activity (HIPA) affects the knee joint, specifically the femoral cartilage (FC). Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate FC thickness via ultrasound among elite athletes involved in different types of HIPA, and to determine whether there is a correlation between serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (sCOMP) and rectus femoris (RF) thickness. METHOD: A total of 132 male individuals participated in this study and were assigned to two groups, the sedentary (n = 43, 23.9 ± 3.7) and athlete groups (n = 89, 22.7 ± 4.6), which did not significantly differ in age. The athletes were elite and performed HIPA during sports such as volleyball (n = 20), soccer (n = 21), basketball (n = 28), and weightlifting (n = 20). RF thickness and three (mid-point) measurements were obtained for each knee. The mean FC thickness for each knee was defined as the sum of the medial, lateral condyles, and intercondylar areas. Blood samples for sCOMP analyses were also obtained. RESULTS: All the measurements of the FC of both knees were significantly higher in the athletes than in the sedentary individuals (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001). The mean right and left FC values were also higher in the athletes (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that participation in sporting activities was a significant predictor associated with the right and left mean FC thickness (p < 0.001 for both). No significant differences in the sCOMP levels were found between the two groups. CONCLUSION: It was found that the mean FC was higher among athletes than among sedentary individuals. As a result, it is suggested that sports' participation is an independent factor associated with the right and left mean FC thickness. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Quadriceps tendon autograft ACL reconstructed subjects overshoot target knee extension angle during active proprioception testing.

PURPOSE: To compare the active joint position sense (JPS), muscle strength, and knee functions in individuals who had anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with quadriceps tendon autograft, hamstring tendon autograft, tibialis anterior allograft and healthy individuals. It was hypothesized that when compared to an age and gender-matched healthy control group, subjects who were post-ACL reconstruction would display impaired active joint position sense, knee extensor and flexor strength symmetry and knee function at 1 year post-surgery. A secondary hypothesis was that differences would exist between the quadriceps tendon autograft, hamstring tendon autograft and tibialis anterior allograft groups. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with ACL reconstruction and 20 healthy individuals were included. Active JPS reproduction was measured at 15°, 45° and 75° of knee flexion. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score and one-leg hop test were used to assess the functional status of the patients. RESULTS: The JPS detection was different at the 15° target angle between groups (F3.86 = 24.56, p < 0.001). A significantly higher proportion of quadriceps tendon autograft group patients failed to identify the 15° active JPS assessment position compared to the other groups (p < 0.0001). The quadriceps index was lower in patients compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.001), while the hamstring index was similar (n.s.). The knee functional outcomes were similar between ACL reconstructed groups and healthy controls (n.s.). CONCLUSION: Knee proprioception deficits and impaired muscle strength were evident among patients at a mean 13.5 months post-ACL reconstruction compared with healthy controls. Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using a quadriceps tendon autograft may be more likely to actively over-estimate knee position near terminal extension. Physiotherapists may need to focus greater attention on terminal knee extension proprioceptive awareness among this patient group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Effects on Lower Extremity Neuromuscular Control Exercises on Knee Proprioception, Muscle Strength, and Functional Level in Patients with ACL Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of lower extremity motor control exercises on knee proprioception, muscle strength, and functional level in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two of the 57 patients with ACL-R using tibialis anterior allografts were divided into two groups. Group I: lower extremity motor control exercises were added to the standard rehabilitation program. Group II: standard rehabilitation program was applied. Effects of lower extremity motor control exercises on quadriceps and hamstring muscles strength, knee joint position sense, and hop test were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no differences in muscle strength and endurance of the quadriceps and hamstring between the operative and nonoperative sides in Group I (p > 0.05) while there were significant differences in strength of the quadriceps and hamstring between the operative and nonoperative sides in Group II (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in the endurance of the quadriceps and hamstring and knee joint position sense at 15°, 45°, and 75° between the operative sides of the patients in both groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The neuromuscular control exercises program was found to be more effective in reducing the difference in strength while the standard program was found to be more effective in reducing the difference in endurance between the operated knee and the other knee. This study revealed that neuromuscular control exercises should also be used to improve knee proprioception sense following ACL-R.

Thirty Minutes of Running Exercise Decreases T2 Signal Intensity but Not Thickness of the Knee Joint Cartilage: A 3.0-T Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies showed a potential of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can be used as an additional tool for diagnosing cartilage degeneration in the early stage. We designed a cross-sectional study in order to evaluate knee joint cartilage adaptation to running, using 3.0-T MRI equipped with the 3-dimensional turbo spin echo (VISTA = Volume ISotropic Turbo spin echo Acquisition) software. By this thickness (mm) and signal intensity (mean pixel value) can be quantified, which could be closely related to the fluid content of the knee joint cartilage, before and after running. METHODS: A total of 22 males, aged 18 to 35 years, dominant (right) and nondominant (left) knees were assessed before and after 30 minutes of running. Cartilage thickness and signal intensity of surfaces of the patella, medial and lateral femoral and tibial condyles were measured. RESULTS: Cartilage thickness of the lateral condyle decreased at the dominant knee, while it increased at the medial tibial plateau. Signal intensity decreased at all locations, except the lateral patella in both knees. The most obvious decrease in signal intensity (10.6%) was at the medial tibial plateau from 949.8 to 849.0 of the dominant knee. CONCLUSION: There was an increase in thickness measurements and decrease in signal intensity in medial tibial plateau of the dominant knee after 30 minutes of running. This outcome could be related to fluid outflow from the tissue. Greater reductions in the medial tibial plateau cartilage indicate greater load sharing by these areas of the joint during a 30-minute running.

Modern treatment of meniscal tears.

The complex ultrastructure of the meniscus determines its vital functions for the knee, the lower extremity, and the body.The most recent concise, reliable, and valid classification system for meniscal tears is the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) Classification, which takes into account the subsequent parameters: tear depth, tear pattern, tear length, tear location/rim width, radial location, location according to the popliteal hiatus, and quality of the meniscal tissue.It is the orthopaedic surgeon's responsibility to combine clinical information, radiological images, and clinical experience in an effort to individualize management of meniscal tears, taking into account factors related to the patient and lesion.Surgeons should strive not to operate in most cases, but to protect, repair or reconstruct, in order to prevent early development of osteoarthritis by restoring the native structure, function, and biomechanics of the meniscus.Currently, there are three main methods of modern surgical management of meniscus tears: arthroscopic partial meniscectomy; meniscal repair with or without augmentation techniques; and meniscal reconstruction. Meniscus surgery has come a long way from the old slogan, "If it is torn, take it out!" to the currently accepted slogan, "Save the meniscus!" which has guided evolving modern treatment methods for meniscal tears. This last slogan will probably constitute the basis for newer alternative biological treatment methods in the future. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3 DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.170067.

Infrapatellar Fat Pad-Derived Stem Cell-Based Regenerative Strategies in Orthopedic Surgery.

Infrapatellar fat pad is a densely vascularized and innervated extrasynovial tissue that fills the anterior knee compartment. It plays a role in knee biomechanics as well as constitutes a source of stem cells for regeneration after knee injury. Infrapatellar fat pad-derived stem cells (IPFP-ASCs) possess enhanced and age-independent differentiation capacity as compared to other stem cells, which makes them a very promising candidate in stem cell-based regenerative therapy. The aims of this review are to outline the latest advances and potential trends in using IPFP-ASCs and to emphasize the advantages over other sources of stem cells for applications in orthopedic surgery.

Injuries Among Recreational Football Players: Results of a Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To establish the incidence and patterns of football injuries and associated consequences in daily life and labor loss, among public employees. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Football tournament between public employees in Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1821 recreational players from 78 teams. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Injury rates (injuries per 1000 hours of football exposure) during tournament by age group, as well as prevalence, severity, and injury types were recorded. The data regarding the occurrence (eg, location, type, circumstances) and consequences (eg, absenteeism, medical treatment, labor loss) of injuries were collected. RESULTS: Of the 1821 football players registered for participation, 57% (n = 1038) were included in the study with the returned questionnaire forms. In total, 257 matches were played with a total exposure time of 5654 hours. A total of 218 injuries were recorded in 192 players (10.5%), resulting in a mean of 0.85 time-loss injuries per match (38.6 per 1000 hours). Severe injuries constituted 42.6% of all injuries, and 28.9% of all injuries caused the participants to be absent at least 1 day for the next working day. The total labor loss was 1196 days for all injuries. The rate of missing subsequent working day was significantly less for muscle injuries (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of injury in recreational football players is relatively high causing significant labor loss. The results suggest that prevention programs should consider specific injury characteristics, as there is a greater incidence of muscle and anterior cruciate ligament injuries in this population.

Tri-layered composite plug for the repair of osteochondral defects: in vivo study in sheep.

Cartilage defects are a source of pain, immobility, and reduced quality of life for patients who have acquired these defects through injury, wear, or disease. The avascular nature of cartilage tissue adds to the complexity of cartilage tissue repair or regeneration efforts. The known limitations of using autografts, allografts, or xenografts further add to this complexity. Autologous chondrocyte implantation or matrix-assisted chondrocyte implantation techniques attempt to introduce cultured cartilage cells to defect areas in the patient, but clinical success with these are impeded by the avascularity of cartilage tissue. Biodegradable, synthetic scaffolds capable of supporting local cells and overcoming the issue of poor vascularization would bypass the issues of current cartilage treatment options. In this study, we propose a biodegradable, tri-layered (poly(glycolic acid) mesh/poly(l-lactic acid)-colorant tidemark layer/collagen Type I and ceramic microparticle-coated poly(l-lactic acid)-poly(ϵ-caprolactone) monolith) osteochondral plug indicated for the repair of cartilage defects. The porous plug allows the continual transport of bone marrow constituents from the subchondral layer to the cartilage defect site for a more effective repair of the area. Assessment of the in vivo performance of the implant was conducted in an ovine model (n = 13). In addition to a control group (no implant), one group received the implant alone (Group A), while another group was supplemented with hyaluronic acid (0.8 mL at 10 mg/mL solution; Group B). Analyses performed on specimens from the in vivo study revealed that the implant achieves cartilage formation within 6 months. No adverse tissue reactions or other complications were reported. Our findings indicate that the porous biocompatible implant seems to be a promising treatment option for the cartilage repair.

A comparison of the effects of platelet-rich plasma and demineralized bone matrix on critical bone defects: An experimental study on rats.

BACKGROUND: Delayed union of fractured bone is one of the main problems of orthopedics and traumatology practice. It was hypothesized that the beneficial effects of allogeneic platelet-rich plasma (PRP) would be valuable in the treatment of segmental bone defects. This study is a comparison of the effects of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and PRP in a segmental bone defect model. METHODS: Total of 48 Wistar albino rats were separated into 4 groups. Segmental bone defect was created at right radius diaphysis in all specimens using dorsal approach. Four additional rats were used as PRP source. Intracardiac blood was withdrawn before the operation for preparation of allogeneic PRP. Group 1 (n=12) served as control group and defects were left untreated. Group 2 (n=12), was PRP group, and received grafting with PRP. Group 3 (n=12) was PRP+DBM combination group, and was treated with grafting and mixture of DBM and PRP. In Group 4 (n=12), defect area was grafted with DBM only. At the end of 10th week, rats were sacrificed, forearms were dissected, and defect areas were examined with radiological and histopathological parameters. RESULTS: Radiological evaluation revealed that ossification was best in PRP group, followed by DBM group. According to results of histopathological studies, union quality was better than control group in all treatment groups (Groups 2, 3, and 4), and was best in PRP group (p<0.05). Results were also better in PRP group when examined in terms of cortex development and remodeling (p<0.05). When examined in terms of new osteogenesis, results were comparable in Groups 2, 3, and 4, but all were better than control group. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that PRP and DBM have comparable effect on recovery of defective bones, but there is no synergistic effect when used together. We believe that PRP can be a cost-effective, readily available alternative to DBM with minimal morbidity.