Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Combined with Autogenous Bone Graft in the Quality and Quantity of Maxillary Alveolar Cleft Reconstruction

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on the quality and quantity of bone formation in unilateral maxillary alveolar cleft reconstruction using cone beam computed tomography.   Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 10 non-syndromic patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate within the age group of 9-12 years. The study population was randomly assigned into two groups of PRF and control, each of which entailed 5 cases. In the PRF group, the autogenous anterior iliac crest bone graft was used in combination with PRF gel. On the other hand, the control group was subjected to reconstruction only by bone graft. The dental cone beam CT images were obtained immediately (T0) and 3 months (T1) after the operation to assess the quality and quantity of the graft. Independent and paired sample t-tests and analysis of covariance were used to analyze and compare the data related to the height, thickness, and density of the new bone.   Results: The mean thickness difference of the graft in both PRF and control groups at T0 and T1 was not significantly different (P>0.05). Furthermore, the reduction changes of bone height at the graft site from T0 to T1 were not statistically significant for both groups (P=0.78). The mean total bone loss of the regenerated bone from T0 to T1 was lower in the control group than that in the PRF group; however, this difference was not statistically significant.   Conclusion: The usage of PRF exerted no significant effect on the thickness, height, and density of maxillary alveolar graft.