Effect of Combination Graft of Choukroun's Platelet-rich-fibrin with Silk Fibroin Powder in the Peri-implant Defects

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Choukroun's platelet-rich-fibrin (PRF) is composed of platelets, white blood cells and fibrin matrix. It does not induce enough bone formation by itself but it can improve bone formation with calcium. Silk fibroin does not cause inflammatory reactions because it is bio-compatible and degradable. The purpose of this study was to exam the bone formation when a combination of Choukroun's PRF and silk fibroin was used.METHODS: In this study, cell reactions to silk powder with differing molecular weights was first tested to select the appropriate silk powder. Then we applied these bone graft materials on defects of skull and in a peri-implant bony defect model in New Zealand rabbits. The results between the experimental and control s (non-grafted) group were analyzed.RESULTS: The small sized silk fibroin powder showed increased cellular proliferation for bone-regeneration. There was no statistically significant difference between the experimental group and the control group at 6 weeks, but more new bone formation was observed in the combination graft group at 12 weeks (P<0.05). And in the dental implant model, the combination bone graft group showed much improved torque test results, which was statistically significant. Histomorphometric analysis showed more regenerated cortical bone and a higher mean bone to implant in the experimental group. Both were statistically significant.CONCLUSION: The combination graft of Choukroun's platelet-rich-fibrin (PRF) and silk fibroin powder can successfully restore the bony defects in a skull defected model and a peri-implant bony defects model.