Purpose: The effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on improvement of bone regeneration have been widely investigated. However, use of a proper scaffold is also important to the delivery of bioactive materials. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of PRP with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) as a bone substitute in a cranial defect model.
Methods: Twenty-nine New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups including control, PRP, ADM, and PRP with ADM. A 15 × 15-mm(2) bony defect was carefully created in the cranium. The experimental materials were applied in each group. After 16 weeks, the volume and surface area of new bone were measured using three-dimensional computed tomography and digital photography, and the new bone was analyzed histologically.
Results: The PRP with ADM group exhibited a statistically significant increase in volume and surface area of newly formed bone compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). Histological findings revealed compact lamellar bone in the PRP with ADM group. In contrast, scattered bone islands were detected within the fibrous connective tissue in the other groups.
Conclusions: The regeneration of mature and augmented bone was achieved following the application of PRP mixed with ADM. The results indicated that the PRP combined with ADM could be a potentially useful substitute for bone and may aid in the elimination of additional donor-site harvest procedures.
Keywords: Acellular dermis; Bone healing; Platelet; Skull.