Enhancement of antebrachiocarpal arthrodesis using a collagen–chitosan composite enriched with advanced platelet-rich fibrin in a rabbit model

Arthrodesis is a pivotal surgical intervention for achieving joint stability and alleviating pain in cases of severe joint destruction. However, attaining reliable bone fusion remains challenging, frequently requiring adjunctive biomaterials to optimize osteogenesis. The present study was designed to investigate the combined regenerative effect of a collagen–chitosan composite integrated with A-PRF on antebrachiocarpal joint arthrodesis in a rabbit model. This experimental study involved 16 clinically healthy male New Zealand White rabbits. All animals underwent surgical curettage of the antebrachiocarpal joint cartilage. The rabbits were randomly allocated into two groups: a Control group (C) and a treatment group (COL/Cs -A-PRF). Over the 12 weeks, the Col/Cs/A-PRF group demonstrated marked radiological improvement. Radial cortical thickness (RCT) increased from 0.91 ± 0.13 mm to 1.4 ± 0.05 mm ( p < 0.001). Radial bone mineral density (RBMD) progressively increased, reaching approximately 780 HU ( p = 0.0007). Intra-articular tissue mineral density increased to around 370 HU. Joint space narrowing progressed from approximately 1.0 mm to 0.3 mm ( p < 0.0001), with the fusion ratio reaching nearly 70% ( p < 0.0001). Additionally, carpal bone density increased to approximately 990 HU ( p < 0.0001). The presented findings demonstrate that the collagen–chitosan composite augmented with A-PRF significantly improves bone regeneration and joint fusion in a rabbit model of antebrachiocarpal arthrodesis, highlighting its innovative and translational potential.