Does platelet-rich fibrin enhance bone quality and quantity of alveolar cleft reconstruction?

Abstract

Background: Recently, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) was described as a second-generation platelet concentrate. PRF is known as a rich source of autologous cytokines and growth factors and is universally used for tissue regeneration in clinical medicine. Objective: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of PRF on the quality and quantity of bone formation in unilateral maxillary alveolar cleft reconstruction. Patients and Methods: Twenty-four patients with unilateral alveolar cleft underwent bone reconstruction. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A consisted of patients grafted with PRF combined with autogenous anterior iliac crest bone graft. Group B patients were grafted using autogenous bone graft alone (control group). Computed tomography was performed 6 months postoperatively to assess the quality and quantity of the newly formed bone. Results: The percentage of newly formed bone (quantity) in group A ranged from 79.74% to 88.4%, with a mean percentage of 82.6% ± 3.9%. In group B, the percentage of bone formation ranged from 60.3% to 76.4%, with a mean percentage of 68.38% ± 6.67%. There was a statistically significant increase in the percentage of newly formed bone in group A. The mean bone density (quality) of the newly formed bone was lower in group A than group B, but the difference was not statistically significant (P < .05). Conclusions: PRF in combination with autogenous bone was beneficial in improving the volume of newly formed bone in alveolar cleft reconstruction and does not enhance bone density.