Comparative microcomputed tomography and histological analysis of the effects of a horizontal platelet-rich fibrin bone block on maxillary sinus augmentation. A preclinical in-vivo study.

BACKGROUND

While suggested to be effective in tissue regeneration, the effects of horizontal platelet-rich fibrin (H-PRF) bone block in sinus augmentation have not been verified in an animal model.

METHODS

Twelve male New Zealand white rabbits that underwent sinus augmentation were divided into two groups: deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) only and H-PRF bone block. H-PRF was prepared at 700 × g for 8 min using a horizontal centrifuge. The H-PRF bone block was prepared by mixing 0.1 g DBBM with H-PRF fragments and then adding liquid H-PRF. Samples were collected after 4 and 8 weeks and analyzed using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) for vertical bone gain of the sinus, bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) percentage, trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp). Then, histological analyses were performed to investigate new blood vessels, material residue, bone formation and osteoclasts.

RESULTS

Higher vertical bone gain of the sinus floor, BV/TV percentage, Tb.Th, and Tb.N and lower Tb.Sp were found in the H-PRF bone block group at both time points compared with the DBBM group. Higher amounts of new blood vessels and more osteoclasts were found in the H-PRF bone block group than in the DBBM group at both time points, especially in the regions close to the bone plate. More new bone formation and less material residue were observed in the H-PRF bone block group at 8 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

H-PRF bone block showed greater potential for sinus augmentation by promoting angiogenesis, bone formation and bone remodeling in a rabbit model.