Autologous platelets and leukocytes can improve healing of infected high-energy soft tissue injury

Despite advances in surgical techniques and pharmacology, healing of injury-associated soft tissue defects is frequently complicated by infections, which often requires a secondary intervention. Cytokines are important mediators of healing. Application of autologous platelet-rich plasma enriched in growth factors and antimicrobial proteins, known also as platelet-leukocyte rich plasma (PLRP), represents a novel approach to the treatment of soft tissue and bone healing disturbances. This case is the first report on the application of PLRP in an infected high-energy soft tissue injury and shows that the volume and concentration of platelets and leukocytes is adequate to induce healing processes despite concurrent infection. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.