The bone regenerative effect of platelet-rich plasma in combination with an osteoconductive material in rat cranial defects

The effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on bone regeneration, in combination with an osteoconductive material, was evaluated in a rat model. Cranial defects, 6.2 mm in diameter, were filled with HA/beta-TCP particles, HA/beta-TCP particles combined with PRP and HA/beta-TCP particles combined with PRP gel, where some were left empty as a control. After 4 weeks of implantation histological, histomorphometrical and micro-computed tomography analyses revealed no difference in new bone formation among the groups. Further, no additional effect of PRP gel in comparison with PRP liquid was detected, except for the increased handling capacity of the graft. These findings suggest that PRP had no positive effect on bone formation in addition to an osteoconductive material after an implantation period of 4 weeks. Also, no negative effect was seen, and neither PRP nor HA/beta-TCP hampered bone ingrowth into the defects.