Effect of Platelet-Rich-Plasma on Cranial Distraction Osteogenesis in Sheep: Preliminary Clinical and Radiographic Results
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) on cranial distraction osteogenesis.
Materials and Methods: Standardized calvaria critical size defects (6cmx5cm) were created in 16 adult female sheep. Bifocal cranial transport distraction osteogenesis with autogenous free calvaria bone grafts (2cmx4cm) was performed at a rate of 1mm once daily to a total of 30mm. The 16 sheep involved in the experiment were randomly divided into four groups, four animals in each: Group 1 (no PRP, latency 5 days); Group 2 (no PRP, latency 0 day), Group 3 (PRP, latency 5 days) and Group 4 (PRP, latency 0 day). After a consolidation phase of 6 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and specimens harvested for conventional radiological and 3D quantitative computer tomographic (3D-QCT) assessment.
Results: New bone was generated in the distraction zone in all groups. There were significantly (P<0.05) higher densities in the proximal region of the distraction regenerate in Group 4 (PRP, latency 0 day) compared to Group 2. However, no significant differences in mean density of the total distraction regenerate were found, neither in volume of the bony regenerate between the experimental groups.
Conclusion: This study showed that PRP only had an effect on bone regeneration if active distraction was started immediately after application of PRP in the distraction gap.
