Platelet-Rich Plasma (Platelet Gel) in Secondary Alveoloplasty in Cleft Patients

Introduction: The use of Platelet-rich plasma (platelet gel–PRP–) was introduced in the oral and maxilofacial surgery 10 years ago. Its good results are due to the quickly generation of new bone and the acceleration of the period of surgical scar formation. Its employment in the alveolar reconstruction of the cleft patient is not still consistent and the works published in the literature are infrequent. The objective of this preliminary study is presenting our experience with the use of PRP in the reconstruction of the alveolar congenital defects of cleft patients.

Methods: Between July 2002 and January 2004 were operated 14 patients with congenital alveolar cleft carrying out an standard secondary alveoloplasty. In 12 cases was employed cancellous bone of iliac crest and in two cases the donor area was tibial. The laboratory of Hematology of our Hospital prepared the plasma gel rich in platelets by means of a double centrifuge of autologous serum of the patient. After adding calcium a rich gel in platelets in approximate quantities of 1-2 ml was obtained. In this preliminary report we have studied the aspect of the surgical injury the 3er postoperative day, and the first and second weeks after intervention. These results were compared carried out previously with the Standard alveoloplasty without use of the PRP. Likewise we evaluated the bony density by means of intraoral Rx at 3 and 6 months postoperative.

Results: The injury of the alveoloplasty healed more quickly in the patients in which plasma enriched gel was employed. The patients referred less pain and edema in the first days of the postoperative period. The alveolar bony regeneration was faster to the 3 months, though the result was similar in the intraoral Rx to the 6 months. The necessary quantities of cancellous bone were smaller in all cases in which the plasma enriched gel was used (30% less).

Conclusions: The use of Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a valid protocol for the reconstruction in patients with congenital alveolar clefts. Its low price and morbidity do it recommendable for its employment in cleft patients.