Platelet-rich fibrin as an alternative adjunct to tendon-exposed wound healing: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has attracted great interest in the treatment of oral and maxillofacial procedures, gingival recessions, and bone healing. However, PRF has been reported hardly to prepare wound bed before skin grafting. This randomized clinical study sought to identify the effect of PRF as an alternative adjunct to tendon-exposed wound healing.

METHODS: Thirty-six patients with tendon-exposed wounds were treated by applying Integra or PRF (n=18 per group). The take rate of Integra or PRF and pain levels assessed with the four-point verbal rating scale (VRS-4) for the first 5days after application were measured for each condition. Data of texture change analysis were assessed and recorded for a duration of 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS: The take rate was less in the Integra group than in the PRF group (92.39 vs 97.83 P<0.001). After surgery, compared to the Integra group, the patients in the PRF group reported significantly lower pain scores (P<0.001). Texture changes from the Integra group were rated higher than those from the PRF (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION: The use of PRF could be an option for tendon exposed areas where the wound is unfit for standard skin grafting or flap transfer.