Platelet-Rich Plasma in Grafted Maxillae: Growth Factor Quantification and Dynamic Histomorphometric Evaluation.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Validation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) system and assessing its enhancing effect on the healing of iliac crest grafts before implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients randomly allocated to test (n = 13) and control (n = 9) groups. Iliac crest grafts were mixed with PRP in the test group. Tetracycline labeling preceded implant placement. Bone samples were harvested for histomorphometrical analysis. Platelet and growth factor quantifications were performed. ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed using SPSS software package. Independent t test was used and statistical significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: The PRP group showed significantly higher platelet counts, PDGF-BB, and TGF-ß1 concentrations. Tendency to higher volume of woven bone was observed in the PRP group (13 ± 11 vs 4 ± 6, P = 0.1). Histomorphometry showed increased seam separation in the PRP group (8.8 ± 9 µm vs 1.5 ± 3 µm, P = 0.039). Remodeling activity was higher in PRP-woven bone sections and comparable in trabecular sections. CONCLUSION: PRP significantly increased platelet and growth factor concentrations and was of possible enhancing effect on the rate of bone formation at 3 to 4 months of grafting. The clinical significance of this enhancement is yet to be established.