Effects of Autologous Conditioned Serum on Non-Union After Open Reduction Internal Fixation Failure: A Case Series and Literature Review

Medicina (Kaunas). 2024 Nov 7;60(11):1832. doi: 10.3390/medicina60111832.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Non-union is a severe complication of traumatic fracture that often leads to disability and decreased quality of life, with treatment remaining complex due to a lack of standardized protocols. This study examines the effectiveness of autologous conditioned serum (ACS) for non-union in patients who have a failed open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). Materials and Methods: Eleven patients with confirmed non-union at least 9 months post-ORIF or total hip replacement were enrolled. These patients received ACS treatment on the lesion sites once to three times monthly and were followed up. Efficacy was monitored through monthly X-rays to assess callus formation and bone union. Results: Seven patients received ACS three times, three patients received it twice, and the one who underwent total hip replacement received it once. Ten patients achieved union at the last follow-up visit, indicating the effectiveness of ACS in non-union cases unresponsive to ORIF. ACS demonstrated promising results in facilitating bone union in these challenging cases. Conclusions: ACS has the potential as an alternative or adjective treatment for non-union and is worthy of being investigated further for the benefits of patients.

Keywords: autologous conditioned serum; fracture; non-union.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal* / methods
  • Fracture Healing
  • Fractures, Ununited / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Open Fracture Reduction / methods
  • Serum

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.