Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Saline Dressings in Pediatric Heel Pad Injuries

Motorcycle wheel-spoke injuries occur when the heel or foot becomes entrapped in the spokes of a moving motorcycle, frequently resulting in severe soft tissue damage in children. Healing of these injuries is often prolonged and challenging. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), prepared from a patient's own blood, contains a high concentration of growth factors that promote tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and wound contraction. Previous studies in adults with diabetic and chronic ulcers have demonstrated that PRP may accelerate wound healing compared with conventional dressings.

However, evidence supporting the use of PRP in the pediatric population, particularly for heel pad injuries resulting from motorcycle wheel-spoke trauma, remains limited. This randomized controlled trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma dressing compared with saline dressing in children aged 5 to 12 years presenting with heel pad injuries.

A total of 60 participants will be enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either platelet-rich plasma dressing or saline dressing. Study outcomes will include wound healing within 12 weeks, duration of wound healing in days, and changes in wound size measured in both longitudinal and horizontal dimensions. This trial aims to generate evidence for a more effective and locally feasible wound management strategy for pediatric heel pad injuries in the study setting.

Inclusion criteria

• Children aged 5-12 years
• Both genders
• Presenting with heel pad injuries caused by motorcycle wheel-spoke trauma

Exclusion criteria

• Children with wounds older than 3 weeks
• Children with wounds resulting from comorbidities