Application of PRP gel alone or in combination with guided bone regeneration does not enhance bone healing process: An experimental study in rabbits

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the hypothesis that application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel in mandibular defects in rabbits, alone or in combination with guided bone regeneration (GBR) techniques, could enhance the bone healing process. Materials and methods: Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were used. Three groups of 10 animals each were assigned, and the animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks. During the operation, a rotating trephine bur was used to create circular defects 10-mm in diameter in the region anterior to the jaw angles. In group human fascia lata (HFL), a human fascia lata membrane was used. In group PRP, PRP gel was used to fill the defect, and in group HFL + PRP, PRP was used to fill the defect which after that was covered with a human fascia lata membrane. Results: In general, none of the control sides and the PRP treated sides had full development of bone or filling of the defect through bone bridging. Conversely, the sides on which the fascia lata membrane or the combination of membrane and PRP had been applied were characterized mostly by development of newly formed bone that bridged the gap. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the application of PRP gel alone or in combination with GBR does not enhance bone healing process. (C) 2010 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery.