Usage of Low Level Laser Biostimulation and Platelet Rich Fibrin in Bone Healing: Experimental Study

Background. Experimental studies have shown that low level laser therapy (LLLT) has a positive local biostimulative effect in the early stage of bone healing. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) also has been shown to be effective in the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects. Objectives. The objective of our experimental study was to demonstrate the combined effects of LLLT and PRF on bone healing. Material and Methods. Our experimental study was done over 80 bony cavities in 20 adult male rabbits, aged 12 months. An incision was made for exposure of the femur bone of all rabbits. Then, by using a large, round surgical bur, a perforated hole was made in the femur. The cavities induced in these rabbits were divided into 4 groups: The control group which was neither subjected to any laser irradiation nor filled with any bone substitute (group I); The bony defects were filled with PRF (group II); The cavities were subjected to low level laser (LLL) for biostimulation (group III); The cavities were subjected to LLL for biostimulation then were filled with PRF (group IV). Histological assessments of the four groups were done using a hematoxylin and eosin stain. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and Bonferroni tests for comparisons between the four groups. Results. The area percentage of the newly formed bone in group IV was significantly higher than the other three groups. The area percentage of the newly formed bone in group III is significantly higher than group II. Conclusions. LLLT could induce bone formation in the bone defect at a faster rate than PRF. However, a combination of both LLLT and PRF as treatment modalities could induce bone formation in the bone defect more than that of LLLT or PRF alone