ABSTRACT
Reconstruction methods are an essential prerequisite for functional rehabilitation of the stomatognathic system. Platelet-rich plasma [PRP] offers a new and potentially useful adjunct to bone substitute materials [e.g. Xenografts] in oral and maxillofacial bone and implant reconstructive surgery. An animal study was carried out to investigate the influence of PRP on the regeneratio of non-critical sized bony defects, treated with Deproteinized Bovine Bone Mineral [DBBM]. Eight New Zealand white rabbits were included in this randomized, pilot study. Three equal cranial bone defects [3×6 mm] were created and immediately grafted with DBBM and PRP+DBBM; one of them was left unfilled to serve as a control. The defects were evaluated using histologic and histomorphometric analysis at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The histomorphometric findings showed a significant increase in bone area and trabecular maturity in experimental defects as compared to the control at 4, 8 and 12 week intervals. A significant increase in bone formation was seen with the addition of PRP to DBBM at 2, 4 and 8 week intervals. At 12 weeks, the level of bone formation was similar between the two groups. There was also a significant increase in the rate of biodegradation of the DBBM particles with the addition of PRP at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. No foreign body reaction and severe inflammation was seen in any of specimens. Within the limitations of this pilot study, it was concluded that the addition of PRP to Xenogenic bone substitute material in non-critical-sized defects of the rabbit cranium showed a histomorphometric increase in bone formation [until the 8th week of healing] and a greater amount of biomaterial degradation throughout the study period