Application of enhanced stromal vascular fraction and fat grafting mixed with PRP in post-traumatic lower extremity ulcers

Background The authors presented their experience in regenerative surgery of post-traumatic lower extremity ulcers, evaluating the effects related to the use of Enhanced Stromal Vascular Fraction (e-SVF) and Fat Grafting with Platelet rich Plasma (PRP). The authors compared the results of two control groups. Method The analysis involved 20 patients aged between 23 to 62 years affected by post-traumatic lower extremity ulcers. 10 patients managed with e-SVF and 10 patients managed with Fat grafting + PRP in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department at "Tor Vergata" University Rome. Patients in the first control group (n=10), were treated only with curettage and application of hyaluronic acid in the bed of ulcers. Patients in the second control group (n=10), were treated only with PRP. Results The authors showed that wounds treated with e-SVF healed better than those treated with hyaluronic acid. In fact, after 9.7 weeks, patients treated with e-SVF underwent 97.9%+/- 1.5% reepithelialisation compared to 87.8%+/- 4.4% of the first control group (only hyaluronic acid; p < 0.05). Patients treated with PRP and fat grafting also showed an improvement in reepithelialisation; in fact after 9.7 weeks, they underwent a 97.8%+/- 1.5% reepithelialisation compared to 89.1%+/- 3.8% of the second control group (only PRP; p < 0.05). As reported e-SVF and PRP mixed with fat grafting were the two treatments evidencing improvement in the healing of patients post-traumatic extremity ulcers. Conclusions The results obtained proved the efficacy of these treatments, and the satisfaction of the patients confirmed the quality of the results. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.