The effect of autologous platelet rich fibrin (PRF), a second generation platelet product, on the healing of experimental articular\ncartilage lesions was evaluated in an animal model. Full thickness cartilage lesions with a diameter of 6mmand depth of 5mmwere\ncreated in the weight bearing area of femoral condyles of both hind limbs in 12 adult mixed breed dogs. Defects in the left hind limb\nof each dog were repaired by PRF implantation whereas those in the right hind limb were left empty. The animals were euthanized\nat 4, 16, and 24 weeks following surgery and the resultant repair tissue was investigated macroscopically and microscopically. The\nresults of macroscopic and histological evaluations indicated that there were significant differences between the PRF treated and\nuntreated defects. In conclusion, the present study indicated that the use of platelet rich fibrin as a source of autologous growth\nfactors leads to improvement in articular cartilage repair.
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