Evaluation of the Effect of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) on Bone Regeneration

OBJECTIVE Reconstruction methods are an essential prerequisite for functional rehabilitation of the stomatognathic system. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) offers a new and potentially useful adjunct to bone substitute materials in bone reconstructive surgery. This study was carried out to investigate the influence of PRGF and fibrin membrane on regeneration of bony defects with and without deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) on rabbit calvaria. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were included in this randomized, blinded, prospective study. Four equal 3.3×6.6 mm cranial bone defects were created and immediately grafted with DBBM, PRGF+DBBM, PRGF+fibrin membrane and no treatment as control. The defects were evaluated with histologic and histomorphometric analysis performed 4 and 8 weeks later. RESULTS Adding PRGF to DBBM led to increased bone formation as compared with the control group in 4- and 8-week intervals. In DBBM and PRGF+fibrin membrane samples, no significant increase was seen compared to the control group. There was also a significant increase in the rate of biodegradation of DBBM particles with the addition of PRGF in the 8-week interval. Neither noticeable foreign body reaction nor any severe inflammation was seen in each of the specimens evaluated. CONCLUSION Under the limitation of this study, adding PRGF to DBBM enhanced osteogenesis in rabbit calvarias. Applying autologous fibrin membrane in the defects was not helpful.