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

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.