Effect of autologous platelet‐rich plasma on bone regeneration in mandibular fractures

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on bone regeneration in mandibular fractures via a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients having parasymphyseal fractures participated in this study. They were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group A was treated by two titanium miniplates and screws plus local application of activated PRP along the fracture line, whereas group B was treated by the same bone plates and screws without application of PRP. The patients were recalled at 1 week, 3 and 6 months after surgery for clinical assessment and measuring the bone density via CBCT at a region of interest (ROI) including the fracture line. RESULTS: The mean values of the bone density measurements, in both groups, were higher at 3 and 6 months than 1 week after surgery. At 1 week after surgery, the values were 542 ± 93 HU and 515 ± 81 HU in group A and B, respectively. In group A, the mean value of bone density measurements was 728 ± 58 HU (range 620-796 HU) at 3 months after surgery and it was 1024 ± 188 HU (range 825-1490 HU) 6 months later. While in group B, the mean values of the bone density measurements at the ROI were 600 ± 78 HU (range 520-790 HU) and 756 ± 53 HU (range 710-890 HU) at 3 and 6 months after surgery, respectively. The increase in the bone density measurements at 3 and 6 months after surgery was statistically significant only in group A (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that direct application of the PRP along the fracture lines may enhance the bone regeneration in mandibular fractures.