Platelet Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon Core Lesion in Donkeys: Histopathological Assessment

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of platelet rich plasma (PRP) on the healing of created core lesions in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in donkeys. Serial histopathological specimens were taken from normal and at 5th, 15th, 30th, 60th and 90th days post PRP treatment. Histopathological findings showed early rapid healing process with early angiogenesis, increased fibroblastic condensation, the nuclei appeared more elongated, flattened arranged in the peripheral collagen fibers. The collagen fibers changed from randomly arranged to semi-parallel and finally highly reoriented parallel closely packed collagen fibers at 90th days of PRP treatment. Compared to saline control displayed few scattered fibroblasts and angiogenesis. As well as less regularly arranged collagen fibers. Histopathological evaluation 90 days after three successive PRP treatment proved a more rapid tendon tissue reconstruction and maturation similar to the healthy tendons.