Clefts of the lip, alveolus, and palate are the most common congenital malformation of the orofacial region. Bone grafting of the alveolar cleft is necessary for rehabilitation of oral function. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF), an autologous fibrin matrix is a second-generation platelet concentrate that has a positive effect on bone healing.
Aim of the study: The aim of this prospective study is to investigate and evaluate the quality and quantity of the bone graft that mixed with PRF when used in reconstruction of alveolar cleft in terms of bone density and resorption rate of the bone graft.
Materials and methods: Sixteen patients with unilateral alveolar clefts were treated. The control group received bone grafts without PRF, while the remaining patients comprised the PRF group and received grafts with PRF. Postoperative bone graft density and rate of bone resorption were assessed by CBCT at 1 month and 6 months after surgery.
Results: Satisfactory bone bridging formation was observed in all patients and the mean of bone resorption in PRF group within 6 months after surgery lower than control group. The bone density of the PRF group was lower than that of the control group at 1st month, which later after 6 months increased to be more than the control group.
Conclusions: Platelet rich fibrin that mixed with autogenous bone graft was significantly reduce postoperative bone resorption. PRF may provide a higher bone density in the long postoperative course.
Copyright © 2021 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.