The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Open Foot Injuries: A Case Series and Literature Review.

Abstract

Introduction: Open injuries of the foot pose considerable treatment challenges due to the intricate anatomy of the area and the elevated risk of complications, including infection, delayed wound healing, and chronic pain. Traditional management typically involves irrigation, debridement, and surgical techniques such as skin grafts or flaps. Despite these interventions, achieving optimal healing remains difficult, with many cases suffering from prolonged recovery and complications. As such, alternative treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have gained attention for their potential to enhance healing outcomes.

Case report: This case series presents the outcomes of several patients with open foot injuries treated with PRP as an adjunct to conventional wound care methods. In these cases, PRP was applied after standard debridement and wound-cleaning protocols. The application of PRP was associated with accelerated wound healing, a notable reduction in infection rates, and an improvement in patient-reported outcomes, including reduced pain and enhanced functional recovery when compared to traditional management alone.

Conclusion: The findings from this case series suggest that PRP may offer significant benefits in the treatment of open foot injuries, particularly in terms of faster healing and reduced risk of complications. While the results are promising, larger, controlled studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy of PRP and to develop standardized treatment protocols for its use in managing such complex injuries.