Does Platelet-Rich Fibrin Enhance Recovery From Neurosensory Disturbance Following Mandibular Fractures? A Double-Blind, Split-Mouth Randomized Clinical Trial

Study Design: Randomized Clinical Trial. Objective: Mandibular body fractures may result in inferior alveolar nerve damage. This study examined the effectiveness of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) application to the inferior alveolar nerve during open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of mandibular fractures. Methods: This was a double-blind, split-mouth randomized clinical trial. Patients with bilateral mandibular body fractures with minimal displacement (<5 mm) who underwent ORIF were assessed for enrollment. PRF was placed within the fracture site before reduction and fixation on the studied side. Fixation was performed on the contralateral side (control side) without PRF. The study and control groups were randomized using QuickCalcs software. Neurosensory disturbance (NSD) was assessed through two-point discrimination (TPD), self-reported NSD (SR-NSD), and brush directional stroke discrimination test (BDSD) at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Results: Twenty-five subjects were enrolled. BDSB recovery was greater in the study group during all time intervals (P < .001). There were no differences between TPD and SR-NSD at the follow-up periods (P > .05). Conclusions: The results of this split-mouth randomized clinical trial indicate that PRF may enhance the recovery of a damaged inferior alveolar nerve in mandibular body fractures.